Sketches of the life, times and character of the Rt. Rev. Benedict Joseph Flaget, First Bishop of Louisville

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SKETCHES

OF THE

LIFE, TIMES, AND CHARACTER

t

OF THE RT. REV.

BENEDICT JOSEPH FLAOET

FIRST BISHOP OF LOUISVILLE.

By M. J. SPALDING, D. D.

BISHOP OF LOUISVILLE.

“ Quasi sol refulgens , sic ille ref visit in templo Dei . — EccFcus, L. 7
As the sun when it shineth, so did he shine in the temple of God.

LOUISVILLE, KY.

WEBB & LEVERING.

Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the Clerk's Office of the
United States District of Kentucky, by
WEBB & LEVERING,

On the Sixteenth day^f . April, in the
Year of our Lord, One Thousand Engirt Hundred and Fifty-two.

PRINTED BY J. P. BRENNAN, LOUISVILLE, KY.

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5X

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$n tip

MOST REV. FRANCIS P. KENRICK, D. D.

ARCHBISHOP OF BALTIMORE,

AND TO THE OTHER

MOST REV. AKD BIGHT BEV. ABCHBISHOPS AND BISHOPS

OF

OUR HIERARCHY IN THE UNITED STATES

<t|j m

OF THE LIFE, TIMES, AND CHARACTER OF ONE,

WHO WAS LONG AN ORNAMENT OF THEIR BODY,

AND A MODEL OF

EVERY SACERDOTAL AND EPISCOPAL VIRTUE,

ARE MOST RESPECTFULLY INSCRIBED,

BY THE AUTHOR.

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PREFACE.

If our early missionaries labored much, they wrote
but little. Their time was too much occupied in the
discharge of severe ministerial duties, to allow them
much leisure for recording their proceedings. Hence,
our early religious history is involved in no little ob-
scurity ; and the inquirer, who wishes to trace the ori-
gin and progress of our various missions, has to contend
with many difficulties. Among these, the principal
is the paucity of well ascertained facts and dates.
Materials there are, indeed, here and there in abun-
dance ; but they are scattered, unconnected, often
vague in their accounts, and, still more frequently,
merely local, personal, or otherwise unimportant in
their details.

A heavy labor is thus imposed on the historian, who
wishes to analyze and condense these documents, to
reconcile their various statements, and reduce them to
order ; and, above all, to extract from them what is
most useful and interesting. Sometimes, when he fan-
cies that he is about to attain his end, by falling on a
hidden treasure, his joy is suddenly changed to disap-
pointment, on discovering that some important links
are wanting in the narrative, which he has no clue for
finding.

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VI.

PREFACE.

Yet the annals of our Church should be written some
day or another ; and the longer the work will be de-
layed, the more difficult will it become. Already all
of our first Bishops, and all of our earliest missionary
priests,— with a single exception, — have descended to
the tomb. In this condition of things, the time seems
opportune, for %i gathering up the fragments, lest they
be lost.”

This is what has been attempted, to a certain extent,
for our Western missions, in the following Sketches.
Besides being a willing labor of filial piety, they are
intended, — not, indeed, fully to meet a want which has
been long felt, — but to make an essay in that direction.
The life of Bishop Flaget is identified with the early his-
tory of the Catholic Church in the West and South, for
a period of more than forty years. The first Bishop
who came to the West, he labored here for several
years alone ; and he lived to see eleven new Dioceses —
including an Apostolic Vicariate — springing up within
the limits of the vast territory, either comprised in his
original Diocese, or placed for some time under his
episcopal supervision. Two of these became, before
his death, archbishoprics ; nor was he at all displeased,
to behold the glory of the mother-see thus paling be-
fore that of her younger, but more favored daughters.

The principal sources, from which the facts contained
in the following pages have been drawn, are the fol-
lowing :

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PREFACE. VH.

1. The personal Reminiscences of the prelate him-
self. These regard chiefly the earlier portion of his
life, up to the time of his consecration. During his
latter years, he frequently in conversation recurred to
this period, of which his recollections were distinct and
vivid, in every thing except dates. Copious notes of
these conversations were taken down at the time, with-
out his knowledge, by his private Secretary, Rev. P. J.
Lavialle ; and the author has availed himself of the
incidents and details contained therein.

2. His own manuscript Journal , commenced in
1812, and continued till 1834 ; with an additional
separate account of his visit to Rome in 1836. This
Journal, though it deals in general with local details and
accounts of personal movements, contains many inter-
esting incidents and important facts ; but it is chiefly
valuable, as fixing the dates of several occurrences, oth-
erwise involved in doubt. It is written in French, in
a pleasing and animated style ; and it abounds in pious
remarks and reflections, which, of course, were not in-
tended for publication.

3. His extensive and voluminous Correspondence;
containing chiefly the Letters written to him by differ-
ent persons in Europe and America, with a few copies
of important ones, written by himself to Rome, and to
some distinguished personages. Nearly three thousand
of these Letters have been examined. Every one ac-
quainted with such researches, will understand how
difficult and laborious is the process of gleaning a few

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yin.

FSEFAOI.

important facts from a huge mass of correspondence,
running through more than forty years, most of which
is taken up with details of merely transient interest.
Yet, with the valuable assistance and patient labor of
the Rev. 0. J. Boeswald, the author has been enabled
to gather from this correspondence several facts of suf-
ficient interest to deserve preservation. To the same
ecclesiastic he is also indebted for an able analysis of
the Bishop’s Journal, composed of thirty-four small
manuscript volumes.

4. The French Life of the holy prelate, written by
the Abb6 Desgeorge, his traveling companion during
his last visit to Europe. This work, though beautifully
written, is necessarily meagre, and occasionally inex-
act in what regards some minor details of the Bishop’s
life and administration in America. The accom-
plished writer made the most, however, of the scanty
materials he had at hand ; and his work has been
found valuable, chiefly as containing copious extracts
from letters written by the prelate to members of his
family, and to other persons in France. Appended to
these Sketches will be found a translation from the
Second Part of the French Life, devoted to a portrait-
ure of the spirit and virtues of the Bishop ; — those por-
tions only having been selected for republication,
which contained interesting incidents and anecdotes of*
his foreign travel, or a striking estimate of his charac-
ter, founded on an intimate acquaintance with him for
eighteen months.

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PREFACE.

IX.

5. The author has also to return his thanks to the
Archbishops of Baltimore, St. Louis, Cincinnati, and
New Orleans, and to the Bishop of Pittsburgh, for
the communication of documents or valuable informa-
tion on the early history of their respective Dioceses.
The details regarding the early religious history of
Vincennes were kindly furnished, from the ancient
parish Registers, by the Rev. E. Audran, Pastor of the
Cathedral of St. Francis Xavier ; while for the facts
connected with the early missions lying along the bor-
ders of the Mississippi, the author has derived valua-
ble assistance from the researches of the Rev. Edmond
Saulnier, Chancellor of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

It is a task of some difficulty, and of no little delicacy,
to treat properly of persons and events so near our own
times ; and it is quite possible, that the author of these
imperfect Sketches has often said either too much or
too little ; and that, in such a multiplicity of details,
he has fallen into some inaccuracies. The only merit
he can claim, is to have bestowed some labor on sup-
plying an acknowledged want; and if his attempt
should have the effect of stimulating some one better
qualified and gifted with more leisure, to devote him-
self more successfully to the work of rescuing our early
religious history from obscurity, his humble efforts will
not have been made wholly in vain.

Louisville, Ky. )

Easter Monday , 1852.)

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CONTENTS.

PAGES.

DEDICATION, iii.

PREFACE, v -x.

CHAPTER I.

HIS CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, ORDINATION, AND FIRST
YEARS OF PRIESTHOOD. 1763—1792, .... 17-26

His Birth — Parentage — Brothers and Aunt — Words of his dying
Mother — Love for Orphans — Incident of Childhood — Presenti-
ment — Vocation to the Ministry — Confirmation — Bishop De
Bonald — He joins the Sulpicians — Solitude of Issy — He is at
Nantes, and at Angers — French Revolution — His calmnesB
amidst its Horrors — Retirement at Billom.

CHAPTER II.

THE YEARS OF HIS PRIESTHOOD IN AMERICA— At
Vincennes. 1792 — 1795 27-46

French revolution — Exiled French clergy in England and Amer-
ica — Monsieur Flaget sails for America — Sent to Vincennes —
Delay in Pittsburgh — General Wayne — Incidents — Journey to
Louisville and Vincennes — State of Religion there — His labors —
Small-pox — Improvements in agriculture and manufactures —
Early religious history of Vincennes — He is recalled to Balti-
more — Goes by New Orleans — Arrival in Baltimore.

CHAPTER III.

THE YEARS OF HIS PRIESTHOOD IN AMERICA— At
Georgetown — in Havana — At Baltimore. 1796 — 1808, 47-57

College at Georgetown — College Life — George Washington — M.
Flaget is sent to Havana — Difficulties — Yellow Fever — A Foster
Mother — M. Calvo — Obstacles removed — Great rejoicing — Re-
mains in Havana — Louis Philippe — Contemplates a Foreign
Tour — Returns to Baltimore — College duties— Attends con-
victs — Distress about friends — The higher ways of perfection —
Wishes to become a Trappist.

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xn.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER IV.

HE IS APPOINTED- BISHOP OF BARDSTOWN. 1808—

1811, 58-96

Increase of Catholics — Bishop Carroll — New Sees — Four new
Bishops appointed — M. Flaget named Bishop of Bardstown — He
refuses — Interview with Bishop Carroll — Correspondence— Goes
to France — M. Emery — Obliged to accept — Singular present —
Embarks for America — Incident on voyage — Consecrated — Apos-
tolical poverty — Sets out for his Diocese — Journey from Louis-
ville to Bardstown — Ceremonial of his Inauguration at St.
Stephen’s — Early Missions of Kentucky recapitulated.

CHAPTER V.

FIRST THREE YEARS OF HIS EPISCOPACY — JOUR-
NEY TO BALTIMORE. 1811—1814, 97-114

Extent of his Diocese — Fewness of priests — First priest ordained
in the West — Statistics — His episcopal palace — Retreats and cler-
ical conferences — Subjects of uneasiness — Resources for comfort
and strength — His seminary — Father David — Zeal of semina-
rians — Thomas Howard — Prospects of the seminary — Severe
missionary labors — Visitations and privations — Journey to Bal-
timore— Visits the Northern portion of his Diocese — And passes
through Ohio — Incidents of travel — His impression of Balti-
more — Returns.

CHAPTER VI.

JOURNEY TO VINCENNES AND ST. LOUIS— MISSION-
ARY DUTIES. 1814—1816, 115-147

Petition from Catholics of Vincennes — Governor Harrison — Spir-
itual destitution — Religious history of Vincennes from 1795 to
1814 — M. Rivet — Indian missions — The praying chief- — M. Oli-
vier — Early history of Kaskaskias and other French settle-
ments — Succession of priests therein — Bishop Flaget visits Vin-
cennes — Cahokias — St. Louis — Florissant — St. Charles — Kaskas-
kias — St. Genevieve — And Prairie du Rocher — Sets out on his
return — Again in Vincennes — Painful rumor and ludicrous inci-
dent — Returns to Kentucky — Severe missionary labors — M. Ner-
inckx departs for Europe — An inward vojce— Discussion with
preacher Tapscott — Two tributes to Archbishop Carroll.

CHAPTER VII.

DIOCESE OF NEW ORLEANS— BISHOP FLAGET’S
TWO JOURNEYS TO ST. LOUIS. 1817—1818, . 148-176

Early missionaries in the South — De Soto’s expedition — The battle
of Mavilla — The “dry Mass” — France and Spain — Founding of

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CONTENTS.

xm.

New Orleans — One of the first martyrs — Jesuit missions among
the Yazoos , Arkansas , Alibamons , and Choctaics — The Post of
Arkansas — Massacre by the Natchez — Death of missionaries —
Thrilling adventures and narrow escape — The fate of the Nat-
chez — Ursuline nuns in New Orleans— -Orphans — Hospital — In-
dian chiefs opinion of the nuns — Results of the missions — See
of New Orleans — Its first Bishop — The second Bishop — History
of the see — M. Dubourg appointed administrator — Religious Sta-
tistics of Louisiana — Proposed new see at St. Louis, and trans-
lation of Bishop Flaget — How the plan was delayed — Bishop
Flaget’s second journey to St. Louis — Preparing the way — Suc-
cess — Liberal donation — A curious scene — Disagreeable travel —
A danseuse — Arrival of Bishop Dubourg — Joyful meeting-— The
steamboat Piqua — A Noah’s ark — Solemn installation of Bishop
Dubourg — Return to Kentucky.

CHAPTER VIII.

JOURNEY TO THE LAKES AND TO CANADA. 1818 —

1819, 177-205

Bishop Dubourg’s kindness — Early religions history of Canada—
A golden maxim — The first* missionary — First martyrs — The
apostle of the Hurons — Glance at the Jesuit missions of the
North — Trouble in Detroit — The Bishop departs — Journey
through Ohio— Indians — River Raisin — Detroit — Governor Cass
and General Macomb — A solemn reconciliation— Falls of Niag-
ara— -Montreal — Quebec — The village of the Algonquins — The
great Indian treaty of St. Mary’s — Colonel Johnson — The Bishop
sick with fever — Missionary labors at Detroit and river Raisin—
Returns homeward — Swearing boatmen — Pittsburgh— Its early
religious history — Cincinnati — Early missions of Ohio — Recep-
tion at home*

CHAPTER IX*

COADJUTOR — CATHEDRAL — SEMINARY — CON SECRA-
TION OF BISHOP FENWICK. 1819—1822, . . 206—231

Scruples of conscience— How solved — Father David — His charac-
ter — Presented for the bishopric of Philadelphia — Escapes the
nomination — Appointed Coacyutor — Hie objections to accep-
ting — The Cathedral — Laving corner-stone, and solemn dedica-
tion — Consecration of Bishop David — The seminary removed —
Impressions of a clerical traveler — Arrival of a Propagandist —
Correspondence concerning Bishops for Cincinnati and Detroit—
Father Fenwick appointed Bishop of Cincinnati, and consecrar

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XIV.

CONTENTS.

ted — His labors in Ohio blessed— Condition of his Diocese — His
zeal, and death — Bishop Flaget's love for his priests— Rev. Mr.
Abell — Rev. M. Hosten — Rev. M. Derigaud.

CHAPTER X.

VISITATIONS — ADMINISTRATION — NEW BISHOPRICS,

1819—1826, 232—255

Pastoral solicitude — In ccelo quies — Journey to Vincennes — Amu-
sing incident — Visit to Tennessee — Religious statistics— Preach-
er vardiman — Protestant liberality — Dressing a preacher- —
Another journey to Vincennes-^Administration — Clerical re-
treats and conferences — Loving the laws of the Church- — Matri-
monial dispensations — Public penance — Two anecdotes — Recon-
ciling enmities — Management of temporals— Two visits by
Bishop Dubourg — Correspondence on new bishoprics— At St.
Louis and Pittsburgh — Dr. Gallitzin— New Archbishopric in the
West — Bishops of Boston and of New Yor — kBishop Dubourg
leaves America — His character — The Propagation of tne Faith —
Inglesi .

CHAPTER XL

THE JUBILEE OF 1825-7— THE CHOLERA— NEW CO-
ADJUTOR. 1826—1834 256-285

Why this Jubilee was solemn — Conferences — Discomfiture of
Sneed — Effects of Jubilee — Bishop Flaget consecrates Archbish-
Whitfield, and goes to the first Provincial Council — His meeting
with Bishop England — Charles Carroll of Carrolton — The Bishop
in Court — His speech on the occasion — Offers his resignation —
Consecration of Bishop Kenrick — Bishop England in Kentucky —
Bishop Flaget’s eloquence — He is sad — How consoled — Arrival
of the Jesuits — Meets Bishop Rosati at Vincennes — Goes to St.
Louis — His resignation accepted — Excitement in Kentucky — He
is reinstated — The Cholera — His devotedness — He is seized with
the malady — His new Coadjutor consecrated — Consecration of
Bishops Purcell, Rese, Brute, Miles, and De Neckere — Anecdote
of Bisnop England.

CHAPTER XII.

HIS RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ESTABLISH-
MENTS. 1812—1835 286-304

The tree and its fruits — A rapid sketch — Dominican convent —
And college of St. Thomas Acpiinas — The Sisters of St. Dominic
— Loretto Society — Its statistics — The Bishop's testimony — Sis-

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CONTENTS.

XV.

terhood of Charity — Its origin, objects, and subsequent condition
— A consoling feature — The Brotherhood — Mount Casino —
Bishop Flaget’s anticipations — How frustrated — The election of
a Guardian — Schools to be every where established — Letter from
the Propaganda — Remarks on Christian education — St. Joseph's
College — Its rise and history — The Rev. G. A. M. Elder — St.
Mary’s College — The Rev. Wm. Byrne — The theological and
the preparatory Seminary — A forged Letter — Statistics of the
Diocesan establishments in 1825 — Recapitulation — Consolation
at the hour of death.

CHAPTER XIII.

HIS JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND RETURN. 1835—

1839, 305-328

Journey to Europe long contemplated — Gallicanism — Ruse of
Bishop David — Taking French leave, and sailing for Europe —
He is at Nantes and Angers — Visits Rome — Affecting interview
with Gregory XVI. — Is charged with a mission in France — Vis-
its the Austrian Emperor and Metternich — Family of Charles
X. -Louis Philippe — Travels in France and Sardinia — Charles
Albert — Duke de Montmorency — Count de Maistre — Makes the
tour of forty-six French Dioceses — Reputation for sanctity —
Wonderful cures — Documentary evidence — Fruits of his labors —
Consults the Pontiff — The answer of Rome — Resolves to re
turn — Bids a final adieu to France — Goes to die “among his
own.”

CHAPTER XIV.

THE LAST YEARS OF HIS EPISCOPACY. 1839—

1849, 329-346

He makes the tour of his establishments, and visits his Diocese —
Travels six hundred miles on. horseback — How he spent his in-
tervals of leisure— Anecdote of Bishop David — The death of the
latter — His character — Translation of the see to Louisville —
Reasons for and against the change — He regrets to leave Bards-
town — Arrival of Sisters of the Good Shepherd — How this colony
was obtained — Nature and objects of the Institute — Health of
his Coadjutor impaired — The Coadjutor visits France, and re-
signs — His present retreat — The Bishop left desolate — The third
Coadjutor is consecrated — The Nunc Dimittis — The Jesuits re-
enter the Diocese, and take St. Joseph’s college— New college in
Louisville — Arrival of the Trappists — Character of their institu-
tion — Corner-stone of the new Cathedral laid.

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XYI.

CONTENTS.

CHAPTER XV.

HIS DEATH AND CHARACTER, 347-364

Finishing his course — The day of eternity — The setting sun — His
preparation for death — An incident — His estimate of life — Fail-
ing of faculties — What privation gave him most concern — Ver-
tigo — The Head of Christ — Forgetting every thing — His favorite
expressions and ejaculations — Symptoms of approaching death —
He receives the last sacraments — Affecting scene — He “sleeps
in the Lord” — His funeral — Description of an eye-witness —
Brief sketch of his character — The book of nature — Parable of
the hen and chickens — Conclusion.

APPENDIX.

THE CHARACTER AND SPIRIT OF BISHOP FLAGET.

Translation , 367-405

I. His Spirit of Prayer, 367

II. His Habitual Peace of Mind, 373

III. His Humility, 377

IV. The Manner in which he received the Honors paid him, 380

V. His Kindness and Gentleness, 384

VI. His Firmness, 387

VII. His Conformity to the Will of God, 390

VIII. His Filial Obedience to the Sovereign Pontiff, .... 394

IX. His Mortification, 397

X. His Patience in the time of Sickness, 400

XI. His Love for his Diocese, 402

XII. Postcript, . 406

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SKETCHES

OF THE

LIFE, TIMES AND CHARACTER

OF

BISHOP FLAGET.

CHAPTER I.

HIS CHILDHOOD, YOUTH, ORDINATION, AND FIRST YEARS OF
PRIESTHOOD.

1763 — 1792 .

His Birtb— Parentage— Brothers and Aunt — Words of his dying
Mother — Love for Orphans — Incident of Childhood — Presenti-
ment — Vocation to the Ministry — Confirmation — Bishop De
Bonald— He joins the Sulpicians — Solitude of Issy — Ho is at
Nantes, and at Angers — French Revolution— His calmness
amidst its Horrors — Retirement at Billom.

One of the most striking evidences going to prove
the divine origin and character of the Catholic Church
is founded on the fact, that, in every age of her event-
ful history, God has been pleased to raise up men, who
were indued with the Spirit which animated the first
Apostles, and who brought forth similar fruits of holi-
ness. Looking over the pages of ecclesiastical history,
we cannot fail to remark constant and palpable proofs
of this ever watchful Providence, directing all things

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18

SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

strongly, yet sweetly, to the great purpose for which
Christ died on the cross, — the salvation of men. New
confessors of the faith, new doctors, and new apostles
spring up at the very periods, when their respective
services are most required by the emergency ; —
whether for the strengthening of the faithful, the con-
futation of innovators and infidels, or the bringing of
new sheep into the One Sheepfold of the One Shepherd.

Among the apostolic men whom God has raised up
during these latter times, few have been more distin-
guished for virtue, long continued labors for the glory
of God, and usefulness to the Church of Christ, than
the subject of these Sketches. lie shines forth con-
spicuous among the band of devoted missionaries, who
have “ spent and been spent,” in laying the foundations
of the Catholic Church in North America.

Bishop Flaget was born on the night of November 7,
1763, in the small town of Contournat, lying in the com-
mune of St. Julien, not far from Billom, in Auvergne,
France. His parents were honest cultivators of the soil^
in humble circumstances, but of respectable family, and
distinguished for their sincere and unaffected piety. His
father died before his birth, and his bereaved mother
was sustained in her heavy affliction by a strong faith
in God’s holy providence. At the birth of her son,
some one present having exclaimed, that “ he was a
child of benediction ,” he was called Benedict,* — a
name not uncommon in the family. • .

* “Monseigneur Flaget, eveque de Bardstown et Louisville; — sa
Vie, son Esprit, et ses Vertus: par le pretre qui accomp&gnait le
Prelat pendant les voyages qu'il fit en Europe pour i'oeuvre de la
Propagation de la Foi. A Paris. 1851.” — p. 4. The name which

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

19

His father had been twice married; two daughters
had been born to him in the first, and three sons in the
second marriage. Of the latter, our Benedict was the
youngest. His two elder brothers lived, like himself,
to a very advanced age. The oldest became a priest,
was a confessor of the faith during the stormy times of
the French revolution, and died parish priest of Bilr
lom, — which office he filled during the last twenty
years of his life, — at the age of eighty-four, universally
esteemed and beloved. The second became a notary
public ; and, after having amassed a considerable for-
tune, died in his eighty-eighth year. The youngest
was destined to become an apostle in a far distant land.

When the little Benedict was but two years old,* his
pious mother departed this life. While on her death
bed, an aunt of her children stood by, bathed in tears;
and, holding the youngest in her arms, she lamented
that one so tender was so soon to be left a desolate
orphan. The mother, raising her eyes to heaven, and
pouring forth a fervent prayer, calmly exclaimed: “Be
not solicitous ; God will take care of the child ! ”f She

the child bore in the Patois of the country was Benuet — a corrup-
tion of the French Benoit.

In quoting this work hereafter, we shall simply refer to it as the
“French Life.”

* Reminiscences of his own Life, by Bishop Flaget; written down,
as he narrated the facts, by his secretary, Rev. P. J. Lavialle. The
author of the French Life says, that he was in his fourth year at his
mother's death. We follow the account of the sainted Bishop him-
self, whose recollections of the earlier period of his life were distinct
and vivid. Unless where another source is indicated, most of the
incidents in his youth are taken from these “Reminiscences.”

t Reminiscences, Ac. *

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20

SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

soon afterwards tranquilly breathed her last ; and God
heard her prayer !

The faithful aunt now became the mother of the
young orphans ; and she devoted the remainder of her
life to rearing them up in the love and fear of God. In
this she was assisted by a brother of the deceased father,
the Abbe Benedict Flaget, canon of the collegiate
church of Billom.* lie received the aunt and her
adopted children into his house, and lent efficient aid
in raising and educating them ; — with what success,
their subsequent lives clearly proved.

Having thus become an orphan himself at so early a
period of his life, the subject of these Sketches ever
afterwards cherished sentiments of the most lively
sympathy for those left by Providence in a similar con-
dition. It was the object dearest to his heart to provide
for their temporal and spiritual comfort. He often
spoke most feelingly on the subject, in the latter years
of his life ; and nothing was more grateful to his feel-
ings, than to see assembled around him those little ones,
for whom he had been able to provide a shelter in
establishments erected under his auspices.

He never forgot the good aunt, who had taken the
place of his mother. In a letter to one of his brothers,
written nine years after his arrival in America, he
speaks of her in the following terms :

u My heart bounds at the very remembrance of my
aunt. If she be yet living, — and I hope that God has
preserved her life till now, — I cast myself on her neck,
I water it with my tears ; words fail me to express to
her my gratitude. * * * The idea that she is with

* French Life — p. 4.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

21

you and your virtuous wife, assures me as to her well-
being. * * * * Now that the Americans have

free intercourse with the French, please see some banker
at Clermont, who has business transactions with a mer-
chant at Bordeaux or Havre, in order that I may be
able to contribute something to the comfort of this good
aunt. I would despoil myself to clothe her, I would
deprive myself of nourishment to feed her ; and I would
thus be doing only w T hat she has done a thousand times
for me. I think I do not flatter myself on this point;
my heart is not ungrateful ; it seeks but the occasion to
manifest its gratitude.”*

From the reminiscences of the Prelate in his old age,
it would appear that this aunt had not spoiled him by
over indulgence. She often corrected the waywardness
of his childhood ; and she was very strict, and some-
times even rigid in her discipline. She was always
kind; but, at the same time, she exacted the most
punctual obedience to her commands.

^On one occasion, when he had left the house without
her permission, and had thereby caused her much soli-
citude for his safety, she sent him supperless to bed,
and in a dark room. The afflicted child, while sobbing
in his little apartment, fancied that he beheld an appa-
rition of his deceased mother, who, with a calm, but
sorrowful countenance, bade him be of good cheer.
The aunt, alarmed by his outcry, soon came to his
relief; and on hearing his account of the apparition,
she relented, took him kindly in her arms, and remitted
his punishment. He remembered, also, that she took

* Letter, May 18, 1801. French Life — pp, 8, 9,

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

care to have the holy sacrifice offered up for the repose
of his mother’s soul.

At a very early age, the young Benedict was sent to
the college of Billom. At the age of seven, he was
already so far advanced as to be placed in the grammar
class. In this college he continued his studies until he
had completed his classical course.

During his childhood, he seems to have had some
presentiment of the life to which God afterwards called
him; for he was often heard to say, that “he would go
far, very far from home, and that they would see him
no more.”*

Having conceived, from his most tender years, an
ardent wish to devote himself to the service of God in
the holy ministry, and having taken all the precautions,
dictated by Christian prudence, to be enabled to decide
wisely in a matter of so much importance, he at length
determined to embrace the ecclesiastical state. In order
to enjoy greater facilities for pursuing the course of
studies required for this sublime vocation, at the age of
about seventeen he was sent to the episcopal city of
Clermont. Here he made his course of philosophy,
and attended the class of theology for two years, in the
university; boarding, in the meantime, with two young
men of wealth, towards whom he discharged the office
of private tutor, in consideration of their defraying his
iexpenses.

It was here, also, that he had the happiness of receiv-
ing the sacrament of confirmation from the hands of
Monseigneur De Bonald, Bishop of Clermont, whose
age and infirmities had not permitted him to visit

* French Life — p. 5.

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP FLAGET.

23

Billom. He was, at the time, in his eighteenth year.
Having long cherished a tender devotion towards St.
Joseph, the special patron of youth, and especially of
orphans, he took his name in confirmation. He re-
ceived the sacrament with sentiments of the most lively
faith, and with those emotions of tender piety for which
he was always distinguished. He was thereby greatly
strengthened in his purpose of devoting his whole life
to the service of God and the salvation of his neighbor.

The Sulpicians, so celebrated for their ability in
training up youth for the ecclesiastical state, were
then conducting in Clermont a seminary for the
higher clerical studies. The young candidate for the
ministry was forcibly struck by the learning, piety,
and strict observance of this body of priests; and he
determined to place himself under their direction. He
accordingly entered their seminary, having obtained n
free scholarship established by Bishop De Bonald.*

* lie subsequently returned thanks for this favor, in a graceful
letter written to the famous philosopher De Bonald, Peer of France,
the Bishop’s relative, who had presented him with a copy of his
works:- “Through the aid of the burses established at the Seminary
of Clermont by Monseigneur De Bonald, one of which I obtained
after the requisite examination, I made my seminary course under
the eyes of that illustrious prelate. It was he who initiated me
into the sanctuary; from him I received sub-deaconship ; and by
his permission I entered the Society of the Sulpicians. Finally, in
1792, the time at which Monsieur Emery charged me with the
mission to the United States, I had the unspeakable pleasure of re-
ceiving at Paris the blessing of that holy and wise prelate ; who fold-
ing me in his arms, conjured me, in presence of heaven, to go as an
apostle to the country to which I had been called ; in order to estab-
lish therein that faith, which was tottering, or rather seemed lost, in
Prance. These words sank deeply into my heart; and I have never
forgotten them.” — Letter , May 19, 1829.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

Under the enlightened guidance of this venerable pre-
late, he pursued his ecclesiastical studies with great
confidence ; and without his advice he took no impor-
tant step.

He was so much pleased by the manner of life fol-
lowed by his new instructors, that, with the permission
of Bishop De Bonald, he resolved to apply for admis-
sion into their congregation. They likewise had con-
ceived a high opinion of his piety and other good
qualities; and his application was favorably received,
lie became a member of their congregation on the 1st
of November, 1783;* when he had almost completed
his twentieth year. He now continued his studies with
renewed ardor, and daily advanced in the path of per-
fection. Obedience, to which he had been trained from
his infancy., had become a settled habit with him ; and
it now cost him comparatively but little, no matter how
painful to nature the object of the command.

At the canonical age, he received the holy order of
sub-deaconship ; and thereby bound himself irrevocably
to the service of the Church at her holy altars.

Having remained for nearly two years under the in-
struction of the Sulpicians at Clermont, and completed
the course taught in that seminary, and not having as
yet reached the age required for the priesthood, he was
sent to the solitude of Issy, near Paris, to prepare him-
self for ordination. Here he remained about three
years; continuing his studies, and grounding himself
more and more in the sublime principles and difficult
practices of the spiritual life.

These were, perhaps, the happiest years of his life.

* Sulpician Register. For a copy of this valuable document, we
are indebted to the present Archbishop of Baltimore.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

25

He always viewed religious solitude as “a paradise
upon earth and he never tired of being near the holy
altar, and paying hig homage to Jesus, reposing thereon
in the sacrament of His love. The office of Sacristan,
with which he was charged, afforded him the opportu-
nity he so much coveted ; and it was here that he grew
up, under the shadow of the altar, in that tender and
abiding devotion to the Blessed Sacrament, which,
through all the vicissitudes of his long life, he always
so warmly cherished and so constantly practised.

The Rev. Gabriel Richard, afterwards for so many
years an American missionary, stationed chiefly at
Detroit, was then Superior of the Seminary at Issy;
and here both these distinguished ecclesiastics imbibed
in solitude that spirit of prayer and fortitude, which
fitted them to become apostles in the new world.

After his promotion to the priesthood when at Issy,
Monsieur Flaget was sent by his Superiors to the
Seminary of Nantes.; where he was for two years pro-
fessor of dogmatic theology. He here also fulfilled, for
a time, the office of procurator, during the illness of
the incumbent.

The professor of moral theology in the Seminary of
Nantes having been appointed Superior of that of
Angers, asked that Monsieur Flaget, for whom he
had conceived a special friendship, might be permitted
to accompany him to the latter city, as professor of
dogma. The request was granted. In a few months,
however, the storm of the French revolution broke out
with fury in that portion of France; and the Seminary
of Angers was closed. The professors sought shelter in
private families, or wherever they were most safe against

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

the rage of the infuriated Jacobins, who thirsted for the
blood of every priest of God.

In this sad emergency, Monsieur Flaget applied
for counsel to Monsieur Emery, the superior gene-
ral of the society, and under his advice, he retired for
a time to the bosom of his family at Billom. This
occurred in the year 1791, when he was in the twenty-
eighth year of his age.

While all was confusion and bloodshed around him,
strong in faith and in hope, he possessed his soul in
peace. His heart was indeed torn with anguish by the
news of desecrated temples, of violated altars, of priests
massacred while faithfully ministering to God, and of
holy virgins immolated in the cloister ; but his confi-
dence that God would protect His Church never for a
moment faltered. He infused much of his own serenity
amidst the storm into the minds of others. Better days
were coming.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

27

CHAPTER II.

THE YEARS OF HIS PRIESTHOOD IN AMERICA.

AT VINCENNES .

1792 — 179 5 .

French revolution — Exiled French clergy in England and Amer-
ica — Monsieur Flaget sails for America — Sent to Vincennes —
Delay in Pittsburgh — General Wayne — Incidents — Journey to
Louisville and Vincennes — State of Religion there — His labors —
Small-pox — Improvements in agriculture and manufactures —
Early religious history of Vincennes — He is recalled to Balti-
more — Goes by New Orleans — Arrival in Baltimore.

The storm which spreads devastation in its course, is
controlled by Providence for purposes of good. It scat-
ters far and wide the seed, and thus causes to spring up
goodly plants, yielding abundant fruit in distant lands;
which, but for its wild agency, w T ould have remained
deprived of this resource for beauty and usefulness.
So was it with the tempest of the French revolution.
It scattered the good seed of the Gospel into remote
regions, where it took root and fructified “for the heal-
ing of the nations.” The zealous and exemplary clergy
of France, persecuted and hunted down at home by the
enemies of all social order, and of its only solid basis —
Religion, — followed the evangelical counsel, and fled
abroad into distant countries; w T here, though many

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

privations awaited them, they might at least hope to
labor in peace for the salvation of men.

Thus the loss of France became the gain of other
lands less favored with Religion. England and the
United States, in particular, felt the beneficial effects
of this partial dispersion of the French clergy. The
exemplary piety, the patient endurance, the high-toned
politeness, and the unalterable meekness of the French
priests who sought shelter in England, could not fail to
excite the admiration, and win the esteem even of the
prejudiced and proud British Protestants. There is
little room to doubt, that the religious change which
has since taken place in the English Protestant mind,
had its commencement in the favorable impression
made by the exemplary lives of the exiled French
clergy; whose prayers also, no doubt, drew down y
blessing on their kind entertainers.

In the United States we are still more largely in deb
to the zeal of those devoted men. Examples proving
this are numerous and familiar; one of the most illus
trious is the subject of the present Sketches.

In his retirement at Billom, Monsieur Flaget eai
nestly implored the divine light for his guidance unde
the difficult circumstances in which he found himse
placed. The horrors of the revolution continued wil
unabating fury, and he saw no prospect of his beii
soon able to devote himself usefully to the holy mini
try in his native land. In this difficulty, the inwa
voice which he had thought he heard in his early chi]
hood, warning him that he was to go far away fr<
home, again echoed through his heart ; and he decid
to offer himself for the missions of the United Stat
There the harvest was indeed great, and the labor

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CHARACTER OP BI8HOP PLACET.

29

few. Bishop Carroll had lately been consecrated ; and
while his jurisdiction extended over all the States, the
number of his priests was lamentably small, and entire-
ly inadequate to the wants of so vast a mission.

That he might not, however, act with precipitation
in a matter of so much importance, he went to Paris to
consult his Superior, Monsieur Emery. Under his
direction, he made a spiritual retreat, and to him he
laid open the inmost recesses of his heart in a general
confession. The result was, that Monsieur Emery
advised him to carry out the intention he had conceived ;
and accordingly, he lost no time in preparing for his
departure to his distant mission.*

For this purpose, he repaired to Bordeaux; from
which port he sailed for Philadelphia in January, 1792.
His traveling companions were, the Rev. MM. Chicois-
neau,f David, and Badin ; the first named, lately Supe-
• rior of the Sulpician Seminary of Orleans ; the second,
a Sulpician priest, like himself, and his intimate friend;
the third, a secular sub-deacon, of the diocese of Or-
leans. The two last become subsequently for many
years his missionary associates in Kentucky.

The missionaries reached Philadelphia on the 26th,
and Baltimore on the 29thJ of March.§ Here they
were delighted to find that a colony of French Sulpi-

* It would appear also, from hints thrown out in the subsequent
correspondence of the Bishop, that Monsieur Emery advised
his going to America with a special view to his taking the mission
of Vincennes.

t Sulpician Register.

t Idem. The French Life states that they arrived on the 28tli.

\ Sulpician Register.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE AND

cians had arrived six months before, and that many of
them were old friends.

On the day after their arrival, they went in a body
to pay their respects to Bishop Carroll ; but they met
this venerable prelate already on his way to render
them the first visit. Apologizing for their tardiness,
they were placed completely at their ease by the grace-
ful reply of the Bishop : “ Gentlemen, you have traveled
fifteen hundred leagues to see me ; and surely it was as
little as I could do to walk a few squares to 6ee you!”

M. Flaget remained in Baltimore but two months.
Having unreservedly offered his services to Bishop
Carroll, he cheerfully accepted from the latter the
distant mission of Vincennes; where there was a con-
siderable number of French settlers, who had been
long deprived of the services of a clergyman.

He accordingly set out on his journey in the month
of May, in a wagon destined for Pittsburgh. He
traveled alone,* w r ith the conductor of the wagon:
whose good will and friendship he won, though as yel
he knew but a few words of English. In Pittsburgl
he was detained for nearly six months, in consequent
of the low stage of water in the Ohio. He carried wit]
him letters of introduction from Bishop Carroll to Ger

* The French Life of Bishop Flaget, as well as the Sulpich
Register, states that he was accompanied in his journey by £
Levadoux. This is incompatible with his own Reminisce
ces, which are explicit and detailed on this point. He nn
MM. Levadoux and Richard only on his arrival at Louisvil
They probably left Baltimore somewhat later; at least they did i
travel in his company, else he would have mentioned the circu
stance in one of his numerous conversations on the subject of t
journey.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

31

Wayne, who was stationed at that point, preparing for
his great expedition against the Indians of the North
West. The General received him with kindness, and
offered him every attention and aid in his power.

During his detention in Pittsburgh, M. Flaget
was not idle. He boarded in the family of a French
Huguenot married to an American Protestant lady,
by whom he was kindly and hospitably entertained.
He said Mass every morning in their house; and
during the day he devoted himself to the instruction
of the few French inhabitants and Catholic soldiers.

The small-pox having broken out in the place, he
was indefatigable in his attentions to those stricken
with the loathsome disease. Forgetful of his own im-
minent danger, he generously devoted himself for
their bodily and spiritual comfort. His zeal brought
with it a blessing, and his heart was much consoled by
these first fruits of his ministry in America.

An incident occurred while he was in Pittsburgh,
which presented an occasion for the exercise of his
charity and zeal. General Wayne, though a humane
man, was a rigid disciplinarian. Four soldiers had
deserted ; and on being apprehended, they were prompt-
ly condemned to death by a court martial. Two of
them were Irish or American Catholics, one was
a Protestant, and the fourth a French infidel. M.
Flaget visited them in prison ; and though but little
acquainted with English, he had the happiness to
receive the Protestant into the Church, and to admin-
ister the sacraments to the two Catholics. They were
in the most happy dispositions; and he mingled his
tears of joy with theirs of repentance. The French-

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SKETCHES OB' THE LIVE AND

man proved obdurate; and the zealous priest could
make no impression on his heart.

He accompanied the convicts to the place of execU-
tion; but his tender heart would not permit him to
hear the fatal shot, by which they would be launched
into eternity. So much was he moved, that on his
hasty departure from the spot, he fell into a swoon;
and on recovering, he found himself lying in a ravine
by the way-side. Several hours had already elapsed
since the execution; and the whole appeared to him
like a dream. The Frenchman was pardoned by Gen-
eral Wayne, the moment before the order to fire, out of
regard for the feelings of Monsieur Flaget; who had
exhibited the most poignant grief that his Unhappy
countryman was so totally unprepared to die.

In November, he left Pittsburgh in a flat-boat bound
for Louisville, which place he reached towards the end
of the month. Cincinnati was then a mere fort ; and
there were but three or four cabins in Louisville. Here
he had the happiness to meet with his old friends, Rev*
MM. Levadoux and Richard, on their way respectively
to Kaskaskias and Prairie du Rocher. At the foot of a
tree with wide spreading branches, he made his confes-
sion to Monsieur Levadoux; his heart was filled
with lively emotion ; for he knew not how long it might
be before he would have another opportunity to receive
the grace of the holy sacrament of penance.

In Louisville, he stopped at the cabin of a French
settler, who owned a hundred acres of land at the
mouth of Beargrass creek, embracing the central por-
tion of the present city. His host, who had no heirs,
pressed him to take up his abode permanently at his

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CHARACTER OB BISHOP FLAGET.

33

house, promising to convey to him all his property,
in case of compliance. But the disinterested mission-
ary told him at once that he was a child of obedience,
and that he must repair promptly to the station to
which he had been sent by his superiors. This pro-
perty is now worth probably more than a million of
dollars !

General Wayne had commended him to the kind
•attention of Colonel George Rogers Clark, who then
commanded a garrison on Corn Island, near the Falls
of the Ohio. Colonel Clark armed a bateau, and ac=*
companied him to Vincennes, showing him every atten-
tion on the way, and causing him at night to sleep
under his own tent. So great was the friendship he
then conceived for the humble missionary, that he ever
afterwards spoke of him in terms of the highest praise,
and exhibited every readiness to serve him.

1 M. Flaget arrived at Vincennes a few days before
Christinas, 1792.* He found the church in a sadly
dilapidated state. It was a very poor log building,
open to the weather, neglected, and almost totter-
ing. The altar was a temporary structure, of boards
badly put together. He immediately set to work, to
•repair the church, and especially to refit and decorate,
tx> the best of his power, the wretched altar, for the
coming festival.

The congregation was, if possible, in a still more
miserable condition than the church. Out of nearly
seven hundred Souls of whom it Was composed, the
missionary was able, with all his zealous efforts, to iu-

* The precise day of his arrival, as appears from the Church
Registers of Vincennes, was December 21st.

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34 8 KETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

duce only twelve to approach the holy communion
during the Christinas festivities ! His heart was filled
with anguish at the spiritual desolation which brooded
over the place.

Yet he reposed his trust in God, and yielded not, for
a moment, to discouragement. He determined to enter
at once upon the work of reformation, in the same way
that St. Francis Xavier had adopted among the degen-
erate Portugese at Goa ; — by seeking to reach the hearts
of the parents through those of the children. He
accordingly opened a school for the latter, in which
they were taught, along with the rudiments of learn-
ing, the principles of the catechism and the prayers of
the Church. He also formed a class of singing, and
those of the children who had the best voices were ex-
ercised in chanting French canticles.

His success was complete. The children became
warmly devoted to their new teacher; they entered
with relish into all his plans ; they were seen hanging
round him, as a father whom they loved. They sang
the canticles, not only in the school and in the church,
but also while laboring in the fields. Some of the mor(
pious and promising among them were also instructs
to serve Mass ; and the service of the altar was ren
dered imposing by a number of these pious youths
arrayed in white within the Sanctuary. The hearts <
the parents were moved at the spectacle. The mo
obdurate among them determined not to be outdone 1
their own children. They came to confession in gre
numbers; and the congregation soon wore a new a
pearance.

The pious pastor was consoled by the reflection, ti

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

35

if but twelve adults could be found at Vincennes who
were willing to approach the holy communion on his
first arrival, he could say with truth, — as St. Gregory
Thaumaturgus had said under similar circumstances of
his episcopal city of Neo-Caesarea, — that at his depar-
ture, there was probably not more than that number of
persons who were not pious communicants !

The inhabitants of Vincennes had lived so long
among the Indians, with whom many of them had* in-
termarried, that they had contracted many of their
savage habits. Like them, they were erratic and im-
provident, living chiefly by the chase, and purchasing
their clothing and other necessaries with peltries at the
different trading stations.

M. Flaget employed every effort to improve theit ,
social condition, and to teach them the useful indus-
trial arts. He encouraged agriculture and domestic
manufactures. He had looms made, and purchased
a house with lands adjoining, with a view therein to
train up youth to the different trades. His success
might have been complete, had he not been recalled to
Baltimore, before he had time fully to carry out his
plans.

As it was, he succeeded in awakening the attention
of the inhabitants to these important improvements.
He was at the same time pastor, father, judge, and
counsellor of these poor people. They applied to him
in every difficulty and distress. He received nothing
from them for his services. On the contrary, he ex-
hausted his own slender resources, and even distributed
the greater portion of his linen, in order to provide for
the comfort of the poor and the sick.

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SKETCHES , OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Having, with all his occupations, considerable leisure
time on his hands, he employed it in revising his. theo-
logical studies. He was never idle, but was always
engaged either in prayer, study, or missionary duties.
Prayer and spiritual reading were his chief resources
for comfort and strength, in the lonely situation in
which Providence had placed him.

During his stay at Vincennes, the small-pox appeared
in a malignant form among the inhabitants and the
neighboring Indian tribes ; and it raged at intervals for
a year. He waited upon the afflicted with his usual
tender devotedness, and forgetfulness of self. He vis-
ited the Miamis and other Indians of the vicinity,
among whom the disease was most fatal. He had the
happiness to baptize many on their death-bed ; eight or
^pe among the Miamis alone.

So much was his heart moved by the forlorn condi-
tion of these savages, that he wrote to Bishop Carroll,
offering his services as a missionary among them;
adding, however, as a condition, that he should have
an associate in the mission, of whom he might take
counsel, and to whom he could go to confession ; — for
he could not bear the thought of being alone in the
wilderness without the consolations of the sacrament
of penance.

In this respect he had already suffered much. The
nearest priest was stationed at Kaskaskias, or Prairie
du Rocher; and the intervening wilderness swarmed
with savages, some of whom were hostile. Whenever
he went to confession, which was but once, or at most
twice a year, he was compelled to cross this wilderness*
with an armed escort. Even with this necessary pre-

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OHARMTTEE OF BISHOP FLAGBT. 37

caution, the journey was fraught with danger, as will
appear from the following incident.

Two Indians were arraigned before the court at Kas-
kaskias for the murder of a white man. They pleaded,
in evidence of their innocence, that they and their tribe
might easily have slain the “Blackgown” with his
young men, but that they had spared his life, and let
him pass unhurt through their territory.

On being subsequently interrogated by a friend, as
to the chief sources of his consolation and strength,
while alone in Vincennes, he smilingly answered, with
characteristic simplicity: “Two things sustained me at
that time: first, the visits of the Blessed Sacrament,
which every day consoled me and recruited my strength ;
and second, the memory of M. Emery; for I thought
often within myself, — what would M. Emery think if I
should do any thing foolish ? ”* His reverence for his
superior rendered what might seem at first sight a
human motive of conduct, really a divine one in his
eyes.

Before following farther the missionary career of
M. Flaget, it may be well to pause, and glance
rapidly at the early history of Vincennes, up to the
time of his arrival there in 1792. As this subject
must be interesting to the Catholic reader, and as it is
not inappropriate to the object of these Sketches, we
may be permitted to enter into some details, derived
from the Registers of the ancient parish of Vincennes;
one of tfie oldest in the West.f

* French Life — p. 13.

f We are indebted to the Rev. E. Audran, the present pastor of
Si. Xavier’s Cathedral, Vincennes, for a condensed summary of

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At what precise date Catholic missionaries first vis-
ited Indiana, is involved in some uncertainty ; as is also
the time when the French Post of Vincennes was first
established. The late Bishop Brute was of opinion,
that the famous discussion which took place, some time
before the year 1712, between the Jesuit missionary
Mermet and the Indian medicine-man, occurred at, or
near the present site of Vincennes.* Father Mermet

facts extracted by him principally from those venerable records,
many of which are now defaced by time, and scarcely legible. We
shall make a free use of this valuable communication.

* We subjoin the entire passage from the Lettres Edifiantes.
Vol. 6 — p. 333, &c: —

“The Freneh had established a fort on the river Ouabache; they
asked for a missionary, and the Father Mermet was sent to them.
This Father thought he should also labor for the conversion of the
Mascoutens , who had formed a settlement on the banks % of the same
river; a tribe of Indians who understood the Illinois language, but
whose extreme attachment to the superstitions of their medicine-
men rendered them exceedingly indisposed to listen to the instruc-
tions of the missionary.

“The course which Father Mermet took, was to confound in their
presence one of their medicine-men, who worshiped the buffalo as
his grand Manitou. After having insensibly led him to confess that
it was not by any means the buffalo which he worshiped, but a
Manitou of the buffalo, which is under the earth, which animates
all the buffaloes, and which gives life to all their sick ; he asked
him whether the other beasts, as the bears, for example, which his
comrades worshiped, were not equally animated by a Manitou ,
which is under the earth? ‘Certainly/ replied the medicine-man.
‘But if this be so/ said the missionary, ‘then men aught also to
have a Manitou which animates them/ ‘Nothing can be more cer-
tain/ said the medicine-man. ‘That is sufficient for me/ replied
the missionary, ‘to convict you of having but little reason on your
side; for if man who is on the earth be the master of all the ani-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGETT.

39

accompanied the Sieur Tuchereau , a Canadian officer,
who wished to establish a military post at or near the
month of the Ohio or Wabash ; or, as the name of the
latter is written in the Letters of the early Jesuit mis-
sionaries, the Ouabache* The supposed founder of
Post Vincennes, from whom at least the place took its
name, was Francis Morgan de Vinsennes , supposed
by Bishop Hailandiere to have been of Irish extraction.
Some descendants of his family are believed to be liv-
ing to the present day at St. Malo in Brittany, France.
He was commandant of a small French fort on the
Wabash, and was killed in 1736, in an expedition
against the Chickasaw Indians, which he had under-
taken in company with M. D’Artaguiette, of the French
settlements in the Illinois country.

A Jesuit missionary, F. Senat, accompanied this un-
fortunate expedition. When those who survived the
murderous engagement with the savages fled with pre-
cipitation, this devoted priest remained behind, to
solace and assist the wounded. He was taken prisoner
by the Chickasaws, and burned to death at the stake,

mala — if he kills them, if he eats them, then it is necessary that the
Manitou which animates the men should also be the master of all
the other Manitous. Where is then your wisdom, that you do not
invoke him that is the master of all the others? 7 This reasoning
disconcerted the medicine-man, but this was the only effect which
it produced ; for they were not less attached than before to their
ridiculous superstitions .” — Letter of F. Marest , dated Caskaskias ,
November 19, 1712.

* From the old French maps, some of which are still preserved
in the library of the Cathedral at Vincennes, it appears that the
Ohio was called the Wabash: the former river had not probably
been fully explored at that time.

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40 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AJfD

with all the atroeities of savage vengeance, praying for
his executioners to the last breath. The retreat of the
French was conducted with extraordinary skill and
bravery by * M. Voisin, a young officer only sixteen
years of age.*

The church records of Vincennes open April 21*
1749. They begin simply and absolutely, without title
page or introduction, with a certificate of marriage
between Julien Trattier, of Montreal, Canada, and
Josette* Marie, the daughter of a Frenchman and am
Indian woman. This record is written on a detached
sheet, afterwards appended to the Register by the resi-
dent clergyman, with the proper certificate of its genu-
ineness. The only baptisms recorded during this year
are those of two Indian adults.

The residing priest, a Jesuit, was then F. Sebastian.
Louis Meurin ; who, the Register states, performed also
the functions of the civil court.f There was, even at
that early period, a rude church or chapel; and the
young woman, whose marriage is the first recorded in
the Register, was buried in the cemetery adjoining, in
December, 1750: — her grave is under the present
cathedral.

From the appearance of the Registers, it would seem
that all the marriages, baptisms, and burials, were not
recorded ; but it is evident that the population of the
place was then very small. All the certificates, except
those of deaths, are signed by M. de St. Ange,
Lieutenant of marine, commandant for the King

* Charlevoix. Yol. — p. iv 297. Edit. 12.
t Faisant les fonctions curiales..

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CHARACTER OF WSHCXP FLA9*T. 41

at Post Yincennes. The last official act of P. Meuriu
was the burial of the wife of a corporal in the garrison,
March 17, 1753.

He was- succeeded by another Jesuit, F. Louis Yivier,
whose first act is a marriage recorded May 20, 1753.
On the 24th of November following, he buried Pierre
Leonardy, lieutenant of the garrison* His last record
is dated August 28th, 1756. The number of baptisms
and marriages is still very small, but steadily increas-
ing. Half of these is of red, or Indian slaves, be-
longing to the commandant, to discharged soldiers, and
to the handful of inhabitants, most of whom were
Canadians.

The next priest was the Jesuit F. Julien Devernay,
who remained at the Post till 1763. His last official
act is dated October 24th, of that year. About this
time the Jesuit society was driven from France; and
he was the last missionary of the order stationed on the
Wabash.

From a record preserved at Yincennes, it appears
that there was, at the time of which we are speaking,
another Jesuit post and French missionary station,
higher up the Wabash, called Fort Ouiatenon , near
the site of the present city of Lafayette. The mission-
ary resident here was F. Dujaunay ; and the name of
the commandant, Marchand de Ligneris, Knight,*
Captain of infantry, &c. There was also a Jesnit mis-
sion still farther north, on the St. Joseph’s river, near
the present site of Southbend ; and a Jesuit Father was
interred there. t

Several years elapsed after the departure of the

* Ecuyer „

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4Q SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Jesuits, before another priest visited Vincennes. Pri-
vate baptism was given meantime by a layman, Etienne
Philibert, notary public, who duly registered the names.

In February, 1770, M. Gibault, Vicar General
of the Bishop of Quebec for Illinois and the ad-
joining countries, made a visit to Vincennes. He
renewed many marriages contracted before witnesses
in the absence of a priest, and supplied the baptismal
ceremonies over the children who had already received
lay baptism. He remained until March 19th, when he
returned to Kaskaskias, his usual place of residence.
He continued for several years to pay occasional visits
to this Post, where he remained generally for some
weeks or a month. But the duties of this indefatigable
missionary were too numerous and laborious for any
one man ; he was, for a long time, the only priest in
Illinois and Indiana. His zeal and energy were admi-
rable, and his labors almost surpassing belief.

He also did much to conciliate the minds of the
French settlers on the Mississippi and the Wabash to-
wards the American government, then struggling for
independence. Thus we find that, in July, 1778, he
spent two weeks at Vincennes, and exerted himself
successfully in inducing the French inhabitants to
declare in favor of the United States against Great
Britain. The oath of allegiance to the American gov-
ernment was administered by him in the church with
the utmost solemnity. The inhabitants entered with
zeal into his plans, which proved of great service to the
American cause.*

His course was the more deserving of our commen-

* See on this subject Dillon's History of Indiana. Vol. L

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLA0ET.

48

dation, from the fact that, being from Canada, he was
a subject of England, and risked much in adopting so
decided a position. The Indian tribes he also contri-
buted greatly to conciliate and render friendly to the
Americans. There is no doubt, that the efforts of this
good priest saved the eflusion of much blood, and facil-
itated our conquests in the North-west.

Yincennes was already looked upon as an important
post, and the town was thriving. Peace and mutual
confidence prevailed between the inhabitants and the
numerous Indian tribes in the vicinity. It is a remark-
able fact, highly creditable to the French settlers, and
indicative of the humanizing influence of the Catholic
Religion, that during the period of which we are speak-
ing, there is not found, among the numerous deaths
recorded, a single instance of a murder committed by
an Indian ; nor is there in the Registers any intimation
of hostile feelings entertained by even one of the tribes
against the whites.

What happened in that vicinity a few years after the
conquest of the place by the Americans, presents, un-
fortunately, a picture strongly contrasting with the
above ; — violence and murders became but too common
occurrences on both sides.

It does not appear, that any great number of the
Indians residing along the Wabash embraced the Chris-
tian faith. The Jesuit missionaries were withdrawn,
ere they were able to make a very deep or general im-
pression; and from their Letters it would seem that
these Indians were not so well disposed towards Chris-
tianity as the Illinois, and other tribes bordering on the
Mississippi. Still, many of them became Christians,
especially when sick.

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44 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Not long after M. Gibault had administered the
oath of allegiance to the American government at
Vincennes, Governor Hamilton, with a small party of
troops from Detroit, took possession of the town, in the
name of the King of England. Colonel George Rogers
Clark, in the ensuing February, 1779, marched a small
body of troops from Kaskaskias, and retook the place,
February 27th. Several French inhabitants of Kas-
kaskias volunteered and joined this expedition; and
on the day before their departure from the town,
M. Gibault had harangued and blessed the heroic
little band.

In July, 1779, M. Gibault again visited Vincen-
nes, and remained there three weeks, discharging the
usual missionary duties. Five years now elapsed
without a visit from a priest; when at length M.
Gibault reappears in 1784, accompanied by another
priest, Rev. M. Payet. Both these missionaries set
zealously to work as usual, supplying baptismal cere-
monies over infants privately baptized by the notary
Philibert, revalidating marriages, and administering
the sacraments.

In May, 1785, M. Gibault came again to Vincen-
nes, to continue there as resident pastor. From
this date several English names appear on the Regis-
ters, and the Catholic population increased rapidly. In
1781, there had been 40 baptisms, by Philibert; in
1788, there were 53 baptisms by M. Gibault. In
July, 1786, for the first time, a man was buried who
had been killed by the Indians. Indian or red slaves
are still occasionally mentioned in the Registers.

On the 11th day of October, 1789, the good M.
Gibault finally left Vincennes, having been probably

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FIDGET, j#

recalled to Canada by the Bishop of Quebec. A lay-
man, Pierre Mallet, appointed for this purpose by
M. Gibault, now acted as “guardian of the church”;
until the arrival of M. Flaget, in 1792. The people
assembled on Sundays in the church, and the “guar-
dian” read the Mass prayers, after which the gospel
of the day was read or chanted, and the bans of
matrimony were published. Those who wished to
contract marriage did so in church, in presence of
witnesses, of whom Mallet was always one. The
records mention during this period a casual visit to the
town by a priest from New Madrid.

From the above details, which if somewhat tedious,
are still well worth preserving, we may infer how
difficult was the charge imposed on M. Flaget,
when he was sent to Vincennes, and how much need
there was of a priest in that place. His labors were so
exhausting in serving those sick with the small-pox
and in other ministerial duties, that he himself fell
very ill in October, 1793; but his vigorous constitution
soon brought him safely through. In that year there
were no less than seventy-six deaths among his parish-
ioners.

M. Flaget remained nearly two years and a half
at Vincennes, when he was suddenly recalled to
Baltimore by his superiors, much to the regret of
Bishop Carroll.* The people of Vincennes were devo-
tedly attached to him ; and to spare their feelings, he
took his departure as though he were going on one of
his usual visits to Kaskaskias. It was only on the re-

* “ Me admodum invito ” — says Bishop Carroll in a Letter to the
Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda, dated June 17, 1807.

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46

8 KE T PHB» OF THE LIFE, TIMES AJTD

turn of his escort, that the people learned his final
departure. He left Vincennes towards the end of
April, 1795. #

At Kaskaskias, he embarked on the Mississippi, and .
descended to New Orleans. Here he was hospitably
received by the superior of the Capuchin convent,
where he lodged during his stay. He took the first
vessel bound for the North, and reached Baltimore in
the fall of 1795.f

Here he met his old friends and associates, and re-
joiced to be again in the bosom of civilization, sur-
rounded by all the aids and consolations of Beligion.

* His last official act in Vincennes was a baptism, recorded April
23d, as appears from the Registers of the parish. In his old age,
he was under the impression that he remained in this place about
three years. He probably confounded the date of his return to
Baltimore with that of his departure from Vincennes.

t The French Life says he was recalled to Baltimore in 1794, (p.
15) : but this is inaccurate by one year, as will appear from the
facts stated in the text. Both the Sulpician Register and Bishop
Flaget’s Reminiscences agree in the statement, that he was absent
about three years at Vincennes, where he arrived towards the end
of 1792.

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CHARACTER OF BIBHOP FLAGET.

47

. CHAPTER III.

THE YEARS OF HIS PRIESTHOOD IN AMERICA.

AT GEORGETOWN — IN HAVANA — AT BALTIMORE.

1796 — 1808 .

College at Georgetown— College Life — George Washington — M.
Flaget is sent to Havana — Difficulties — Yellow Fever — A Foster
Mother — M. Calvo — Obstacles removed — Great rejoicing — Re-
mains in Havana — Louis Philippe — Contemplates a Foreign
Tour — Returns to Baltimore — College duties — Attends con-
victs — Distress about friends— The higher ways of perfection —
Wishes to become a Trappist.

Shortly after his arrival in Baltimore, M. Flaget
was sent to the college of Georgetown, of which his
friend M. Dubourg was then President. The college
was under the immediate jurisdiction of Bishop Car-
roll, who intended to deliver it up to the society
of the Jesuits, so soon as they might be able to
assume the charge. The principal professors were
already Jesuits, who, during the period of the suppres-
sion of their Society, observed their rules privately, so
far as circumstances allowed, without a regular organi-
zation.

M. Flaget remained about three years in George-
town college, discharging the difficult office of chief
disciplinarian, and teaching Geography and French.
He blended firmness with his characteristic sweet-

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48

S KB C o aaa or n#E, mras aUtd

ness, while controlling the waywardness of the youth
under his charge. They both loved and feared him.
On one occasion he was compelled to punish with
severity one of the students ; who meeting him many
years afterwards, threw himself into his arms, and with
tears implored pardon for the fault committed, and
thanked him for the correction administered.

The students were much attached to him; and his
chief desire was to form their minds to Christian
knowledge, and their hearts to the love and practice
of virtue. He attended them in their vacations, and
participated in their innocent amusements. Among
his pupils there was one to whom he was most ten-
derly attached, on account of the talents and applica-
tion, combined with openness and solid piety, which
he remarked in him; this was Benedict I. Fenwick,
afterwards Bishop of Boston.

While living at Georgetown college, he had twice
the pleasure of seeing, and shaking by the hand,
George Washington, then President of the United
States. The first occasion was, when he accompanied
the faculty of the college to pay a visit of compliment
to the Father of his country; the second, when Wash-
ington himself returned the visit at the college. On
both occasions he shared, to the full, in the general
admiration awakened in all by the dignity and benig-
nity of the first President ; and this favorable impres-
sion remained lively on his mind to the close of his
mortal career. Nearly fifty years after the death of
that truly great man, he continued to speak of him
with praise.

The Jesuits having become sufficiently strong to

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

49

take the entire administration of the college in George-
town, the Sulpicians were withdrawn; and M. Flaget
was sent by his superiors to Havana. The Rev. M.
Babade, a Sulpician, having previously visited the
Island, had produced so favorable an impression, that a
number of the principal inhabitants sent to Baltimore
an earnest petition for a colony of the Society, to found
there a college. M. Dubourg was, in consequence, sent
on to examine the ground ; and he was soon followed by
M. Flaget, who left Baltimore in November, 1798.* The
captain of the vessel on which he sailed was so much
pleased with him, that he gave him a free passage.

But when the three Sulpicians were preparing to
open their college in Havana, under apparently favor-
able auspices, unforeseen difficulties were suddenly inter-
posed, which frustrated their purpose. The Archbishop
was old and blind, and the administration was entirely
in the hands of two Yicars General, who were brothers.
These unfortunately yielded to a feeling of national
jealousy, and informed the Sulpicians, that, as they
were foreigners, they could not be permitted even to
say Mass in Havana! The result was, that MM.
Dubourg and Babade determined to return without
delay to Baltimore. M. Flaget was unable to join
them; for he was unexpectedly stricken down with

* The Sulpician Register says that he sailed from Baltimore for
Havana, in November, 1797. But this date does not seem to tally
with the time of his stay at Georgetown college, nor with that of
his residence on the Island. He remained here about three years,
and returned to Baltimore late in 1801. This appears from his own
Reminiscences, and especially from his Correspondence with his
family in France. See French Life — p. 18.

4

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60 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the yellow fever, and was soon lying at the point
of death.

In this emergency, he was not forgotten nor neglec-
ted. His sufferings, and the hardships endured by
himself and associates, awakened a lively sympathy in
Havana. An aged lady of high rank undertook to be
his nurse, providing him abundantly with new linen
and every thing that was necessary for his comfort.
She went farther; she adopted him as her son, and
discharged towards him all the tender offices of a
mother.

On his recovery, a wealthy and generous Spaniard, —
Don Nicholas Calvo, — took him to his house, and
begged him to live in his family, and take charge of
the education of an only son. M. Flagets heart
was moved by all this kindness; but lie replied,
that he could do nothing without the permission of his
superiors, to whom he would write on the subject.

Upon one condition, however, he strongly insisted,
as a necessary preliminary to his stay in the Island: — •
that if within three months he could not receive per-
mission to celebrate the holy sacrifice, his position
would become wholly unbearable, and he should be
Compelled to take his departure for Baltimore. The
answer from his superiors was favorable; and mean-
time, M. Calvo was using every possible effort to
Obtain the requisite permission. All his exertions
were fruitless; the two Vicars were inflexible in
their refusal. He began to lose hope; when, a few
days before the expiration of the three months, the aged
Archishop died, and the administration fell into the

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 51

hands of the Chapter, composed of the canons of the
Cathedral.

Don Nicholas Calvo now lost no time in waiting
on the Dean of the Chapter, accompanied by his
Reverend friend. No sooner had M. Flaget made
known his application, than the Dean replied: “ Yes,

Senor Abbate ! I grant you those faculties ; and I re-
joice that the first act of my administration is one of
justice!” The two former Vicars General were sit-
ting, at the time, by the side of the Dean; and as
Bishop Flaget long afterwards playfully remarked :
“ It was a lesson for them ! ” *

The rumor of his restoration soon spread through
the city, and it diffused universal joy. His foster
mother, assisted by other ladies, had an altar in the
church of the Capuchins magnificently adorned for
his use on the morrow ; and a large concourse, as on a
festival, assisted devoutly at his first Mass in Havana,.
Previously, he had heard Mass every morning in this
church, receiving frequently the holy communion.
The superior of the convent attached to it, was the
same person who had entertained him so hospitably
in New Orleans, while he was on his way from Vin-
cennes to Baltimore.

All obstacles to his remaining on the Island having
been thus removed, he devoted ‘himself with zeal to
the education of M. Calvo’s son. Many others applied
tcf engage his services for their children also; but he
firmly declined, alleging that, though M. Calvo might
consent to the arrangement, the mission which obe-

* These details are derived from the Reminiscences of the Bishop
himself.

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52 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

dience had assigned him was confined to the instruc-
tion of his (M. Calvo’s) son, whose studies might
suffer, should a portion of his time be devoted to
other pupils.

He had commenced the study of the Spanish lan-
guage on his voyage to Havana ; he now soon became
so proficient in it, as to be able to converse fluently
with the natives. He remained, however, in his be-
loved retirement, and visited no one, except occasion-
ally the family of the good lady who had adopted him,
and who had been so kind to him in his illness.

During his sojourn in Havana, he became acquain-
ted with Louis Philippe and his two brothers, then in
exile from France. When they were about to leave
the Island for the United States,* the inhabitants,
Sympathizing with their misfortunes, made up a large
sum of money, j* and appointed M. Flaget to present it
in their name to the illustrious exiles. This office was
most grateful to his feelings, and he discharged it with
his usual tact and grace. This act was remembered
long afterwards, when Louis Philippe was King of the
French, and he Bishop of Bardstown.

His. pupil, meantime, made rapid progress; and the
parents became daily more and more attached to the
preceptor. They offered him a splendid plantation, if
he would remain with* them permanently on the Island ;

* The departure of the exiles from Havana was owing, Bishpp
Flaget afterwards thought, to certain diplomatic representations
made by Napoleon to the Spanish Court.

f The sum, as stated by him in his Reminiscences, was about
$14,000: — possibly it was that number of francs, or something
over $2,700.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

53

but he declined, saying that he did not belong to him-
self. They then proposed to settle on him an annuity
of one thousand dollars; and desired him to accom-
pany their son in a tour through Europe. He was at
first much pleased with this proposal; for he had
always cherished a wish to visit the different capitals
of Christendom. On the other hand, he feared the
distraction of spirit usually attendant on traveling,
and bethought himself of the maxim laid down by
Thomas A Kempis : “ Those who travel much are
rarely sanctified, — as often as I have been among men,
I have returned less a man. 55 He wisely resolved to
leave all to the decision of his superiors.

The question was, however, soon solved by a calam-
ity, which suddenly deprived him of his dear friend.
M. Calvo died in May, 1801; and his afflicted widow
could not think of parting with her only son, in her
desolate condition. The European tour was conse-
quently abandoned; and M. Flaget thought seriously
of returning to Baltimore. While awaiting an answer
to a letter he had written to his superiors on the sub-
ject, he labored to console the widow, and to advance
still more the studies of the son. The death of M.
Calvo greatly afflicted his sensitive heart. He thus
speaks of it in a Letter to France :

u Providence, the designs of which I cannot too
much admire, has again interposed to fill my days with
bitterness. The death of my own father could not have
caused me greater grief ; I have shed a torrent of tears ;
I have fallen into a state of extreme languor, so far as
to cause apprehensions for my health. * * * He

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64 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES ANT>

lived but forty-two years; but, in my opinion, these
were worth an age.” *

Having received letters from Baltimore advising his
speedy return, he at once set about his preparations for
departure. He persuaded the mother that her son
would advance more rapidly in the college of Balti-
more, than by studying alone, and she willingly per-
mitted him to accompany his beloved preceptor to that
city. Twenty-two other youths were also entrusted to
his care, to be placed in that college.

Towards the close of the year 1801, f he rejoined his
old friends in the seminary of Baltimore. He handed
to his superior the large sum of* money, which he had
been compelled to accept, as some compensation for his
services ; retaining nothing for himself.

His heart was filled with joy at beholding himself
pnce more in a religious community ; where he could
breathe freely the pure air of solitude, and where every
exercise and duty had its allotted time and place. He
felt like a weary mariner returning to port.

His time was divided between prayer, study, his
duties in college, and the exercise of the holy ministry.
He was ready for every call, and he sought to sanctify
all his actions by referring them to God. Thus he
tranquilly passed the eight years of his life, interve-
ning between his return from Havana in 1801, and his
journey to France in 1809.

* Letter, May 28, 1801. French Life — p. 18.

t The Sulpician Register has 1800— -the dates of his Letters
written from Havana prove that it should be 1801. He remained
on the Island about six months after the death of M. Calvo, which
took place in May, 1801. His departure was therefore some time
in the November following.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 55

Daring this period he was called upon, more than
once, to visit and prepare those who were condemned
to death. Though the office was a very painful one to
bis feelings, yet he discharged it with cheerfulness,
whenever directed to do so by his superiors. Having
been often, during the previous years of his ministry^
placed under the necessity of preparing convicts for
their last end, it was believed that his experience fitted
him for this duty ; * while his mildness, unction, and
tenderness of heart, were well calculated to make a
deep impression on the most obdurate.

His own heart was feeling and exquisitively sensi-
tive; and though his mind was firmly anchored in
obedience, and he willingly engaged in the discharge
of the duties assigned him by Providence, yet he occa-
sionally suffered greatly from melancholy. Europe
was then passing through the startling vicissitudes of
Napoleon’s administration, and communication with
bis friends in France was very precarious. At one
time, solicitude for his distant brothers and friends,
from whom he had received no intelligence for many
months, caused him to fall into a slow nervous fever,
from which he suffered for eight weeks. On receiving
favorable intelligence from them, a little later, his sad-
ness gave place to joy, and his fever disappeared. In
his answer, he said :

u You see that my dark melancholy lias disappeared,
to give place to pay natural gaiety ; but if I am gay at
the distance of fifteen hundred leagues, what would I
be, were I by your side? In truth, I might be in

* He assigns these reasons himself in a Letter to his brother in
France, December 1, 1808. French Life — p. 22.

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56 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

danger of falling into dissipation, and becoming to yon
a subject of scandal. Let us, then, remain as we are,
until the designs of Providence will be more fully
explained on the subject. I shall never interpose any
obstacle to my re-union with a family which I love as I
do myself; but I would never dare take upon myself
to ask it, for fear I might be doing my own will, rather
than that of God.” *

Three years later, he wrote to his brother, the curate,
on the same subject — his return to France, strongly
urged on him by some of his friends :

“ It is very difficult to uproot a tree which has been
for seventeen years in a good soil. Let this be said, en
passant , my dear brother, in order that we may both
accustom ourselves to the thought of never more seeing
each other in this lower world. My heart is very
heavy in making you such an adieu ; but it is as well
to make it to-day as to-morrow. The sorrow would be
always the same; and the sacrifice once made, we
would labor seriously, both of us, to be re-united, as
soon as possible, in the bosom of God.” f

These thoughts of his relatives in France did not,
however, interfere with his progress in the interior life.
He became daily more and more disengaged from flesh
and blood. That beloved solitude, which he had tasted
at Issy, had lost none of its charms for him. He even
panted after a higher perfection* than that which seemed
attainable in his present manner of life. When the
Trappists arrived in Baltimore, in August, 1804, he
thought it a stroke of Providence in his behalf. After,

* Letter, September 3, 1805. French Life — p. 24.

t Letter,. December 1, 1808. Idem — p. 25.

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP FLAOET.

57

some reflection, he applied to their superior, Rev.
Father Urban Guillet, for admission « into that most
rigorous order. His petition was favorably received,
and he was happy in the thought of burying himself

in silence and solitude.

But unforeseen obstacles arose, and his entrance
into the order was postponed. God had other views
on His servant.

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8 KBTO B0 B B Of LIFE, TQW AND

W

CHAPTER IV.

QN IS APPOINTED BISHOP OF BABD8T0WN.

1 808 — 1 8 1 1 .

Increase of Catholics — Bishop Carroll — New Sees — Four new
Bishops appointed — M. Flaget named Bishop of Bardstown — He
refuses — Interview with Bishop Carroll — Correspondence— Goes
to France — M. Emery — Obliged to accept^Singular present —
Embarks for America — Incident on voyage — Consecrated — Apos-
tolical poverty — Sets out for his Diocese — Journey from Louis-
ville to Bafdstown — Ceremonial of his Inauguration at St.
Stephen's — Early Missions of Kentucky recapitulated.

The population and resources of the United States
were rapidly increasing every year. Europe was pour-
ing her tide of emigration into this promising portion
of the new world, which, under the influence of free
institutions, bade fair to advance continually in pros-
perity. The Catholic population, through immigration
and other causes, was also constantly augmenting.

Meantime, the awful burden of the episcopacy,
which he had borne alone for seventeen years, weighed
heavily on the shoulders of the venerable Bishop Car-
roll, whose advanced age and increasing infirmities
required solace and assistance. His Diocese embraced
the whole territory of the United States.* The num-

* It was bounded by Louisiana and the Mississippi river on the
South and W est The Archbishop of Havana, at the time of Bishop

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CHARACTER QF MftHOP FLAG^TT.

5 9

her of his clergy was also lamentably small, and totally
insufficient for the growing wants of so vast a mission.

Under these circumstances, Bishop Carroll thought
seriously of applying to the Holy See for the erection
of new bishoprics, which would relieve him of a por*
tion of the charge, become much too weighty for one
man. He accordingly determined to recommend the
erection of four new episcopal sees, to be located at
Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Bardstown.

While he was revolving these thoughts in his mind,
and thinking of the most suitable subjects to be presented
for each of the contemplated sees, M. Badin, who had
been already laboring with indefatigable zeal for fifteen
years in Kentucky, arrived in Baltimore, in the spring
of 1807. He had undertaken this journey, chiefiy to
lay before Bishop Carroll a statement concerning the
condition .and prospects of his extensive mission. He
confirmed the Bishop’s purpose of proposing the erec-
tion of a new bishopric in the West, and recommended
M. Flaget, as the one best suited for the new see of
Bardstown. The latter had already been a missionary
in the West; and his piety, zeal, and robust constitu-
tion, — to say nothing of his other qualities, — eminent-
ly qualified him for the place.

Bishop Carroll received favorably the suggestion of
M. Badin. On the 17th of June, 1807, he accordingly
wrote to the Cardinal Prefect of Propaganda, recom-
mending M. Flaget in the following terms:

“ For several years he was stationed at a place called
Post Vincennes , lying between the waters of the Ohio

Carroll’s appointment, held jurisdiction over Upper and Lower
Louisiana, as ordinary, until the erection of the See of Now Or-
leans, in 1793.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

and the Lakes of Canada; where, with the greatest
industry and the most hearty good will of all, he
labored in promoting piety, until, to my great regret,
he was recalled to fill some office in this seminary.
He is at least forty years of age; of a tender piety to-
wards God; of most bland manners; and if not pro-
foundly, at least sufficiently imbued with theological
knowledge.”*

The recommendation of Bishop Carroll was adopted
by the Holy See. While Baltimore was made an arch-
bishopric; the four new sees were erected; and M.
Flaget was appointed first Bishop of Bardstown. His
jurisdiction extended over all the vast territory of the
West and North-west; lying between the Lakes on the
North, and the 35th degree of north latitude on the
South ; and stretching from the Atlantic States on the
East to the Mississippi river on the West.f •

* “ Per plures annos stationem habuit in loco, Post Vincennes ,
inter fluvios Ohio et lacus Canadenses interjecto, ubi summa indus-
tria, et propensissima omnium benevolentia sese in fovenda pietate
exercuit, donee, me admodum invito, ad munus quoddam in hocce
seminario perficiendum revocatus fuerit. iEtatem habet ad minus
40 annorum; tenera in Deum pietate; blandissimis moribus; et si
non profunde, saltern sufficienter doctrina theologica imbutus.”

We are indebted for this extract to the present Archbishop of
Baltimore.

f We have not been able to find the Bulls of Bishop Flaget.
From certain passages in his reports to the Holy See, drawn up in
1816 and in 1836, we would infer that the see of Bardstown, strict-
ly speaking, comprised only the two States of Kentucky and Ten-
nessee; and that the new Bishop held jurisdiction over the remain-
ing territory, as administrator or vicar apostolic, only until the
establishment of other sees therein. Whenever, therefore, in the
sequel, we speak of his vast Diocese, the term is to be understood
with this qualification.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

61

The Bulls of Bishop Flaget were dated April 8,
1808 ; and they reached Baltimore in September of the
same year; having been transmitted, owing to the
troubled state of Europe, through the papal Nuncio at
Lisbon. The newly elected prelate was at Emmitts-
burgh, when the documents arrived. On receiving
information of the event, he was so much surprised,
that he could scarcely credit the intelligence. Rumor
had fixed the appointment on his intimate friend, M.
David. He hastened to Baltimore, in order to have
his solicitude relieved. But the first person he met,
on the steps of the seminary, was M. David; who,
embracing him, confirmed the news, congratulated him
on the appointment, and, with tears, offered his services
for the new mission. “ They told me,” said the good
man, “that I was to be the Bishop of Bardstown. I
did not believe it ; but I determined that, should this
happen, I would invite you to accompany me : — now,
the case being happily reversed, I tender to you my
services without reserve.” Bishop Flaget was* much
affected ; he warmly thanked his friend, and accepted
his services, in the event that it should please God not
“ to suffer this chalice to pass away from him.”

Entering into his own heart, and sincerely believing
that he possessed not the good qualities for which his
friends gave him credit, he became persuaded that it
was his duty to use every possible effort to shake off a
responsibility, which he felt to be entirely above his
strength. He pleaded, chiefly, that in consequence of
his constant employment in colleges and on the mis-
sions, he had not enjoyed leisure to become sufficiently
grounded in theological knowledge. His reluctance to

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SKETCHES 07 THE LITE, TIMES AND

accept the episcopacy did not spring from the mere
nolo episcopate ; but from the dictates of a timid con-
science, and of a deeply rooted humility.

He implored his brother Sulpicians to come to his
assistance, in this emergency. They took some days to
consider ; and after having made a novena, to recom-
mend the important affair to God, they united in advi-
sing him not to accept. A delegation from the college
with the superior, M. Nagot, at their head, accordingly
called on Archbishop Carroll, to lay before him, in the
strongest possible light, the reasons upon which their
advice was based.

The firm prelate was not, however, shaken, either by
the unwillingness of the Bishop elect, or by the advice
of his brethren. “What, gentlemen,” said he, “you
have prayed ! Think you, then, that before proposing
your brother I did not pray, and that the Cardinals
who surrounded the Holy Father, and the Sovereign
Pontiff himself, did not pray? Well, I tell you plain-
ly, that M. Flaget must accept.”*

This decided stand taken by the new Archbishop did
not, however, overcome his reluctance to accept. In a
letter to his brother, the curate, written some months
after, he simply says: “It is a Sulpician who has been
appointed Bishop of Bardstown ; — but he has refused.”!
Even in August, of the ensuing year, he had not only
not accepted, but he had persuaded himself that he
had been, or would soon be entirely relieved of the
burden.

Having referred the whole matter to his superior, M.

* See French Life — pp. 28, 29.

f Letter to brother, December 1, 1808. — Ibid.

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dhlBACtEB 0* BISHOP FLAOBT.

Emery, — proposing only as a necessary condition tot
his acceptance, under any event, that three or four Sul-
pician priests should be given him as associates, — and
having received no answer to this letter, he concluded
that M. Emery, not being able to comply with the com-
dition, had declined to interfere in a matter of such
delicacy. The news of his appointment had made him
ill; but now that he regarded himself as relieved from
the heavy burden, he breathed freely, — u the first time
for a year.”*

“ Who would have ever been able to guess,” he adds,
“ forty years ago, that my name would one day resound
in tire ears of the cardinals in consistory, and that his
Holiness would have given himself the trouble to send
me Bulls? In truth, all this appears to me so marvel-
ous, that whilst I write it, I almost think I am dreana-

ing.”t

His first thought had been to go immediately to
France to cast himself in the. arms of M. Emery, and
to implore him to avert the storm ; but the opposition
of the President of the college, M. Dubourg, who
feared to lose him entirely, had frustrated this purpose.!
Now, however, not having heard from M. Emery, and
new apprehensions arising, he could bear the suspense
no longer; and, with the consent of his brethren, he
departed for France, late in the year 1809.

But what was his surprise and sorrow, when on see-
ing M. Emery, the first words he heard from the lips
of the stern superior were: “My Lord, you should

* Letter to brother, December 1, 1808. French Life— pp. 28, 29.

t Ibid.

% Ibid.

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64 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

have been already in your Diocese ! The Pope has
given you an express order to accept; I can, if you
wish, show you his commands.”

No resource being now left him, he resolved at once
to accept; and henceforward, to the end of his life, he
considered himself as belonging wholly to the Diocese
of Bardstown. Having received from M. Emery the
assurance, that his acceptance would not break the
long cherished bonds which connected him with the
Sulpician congregation, and that the usual three
Masses would be said by all its members for his repose
after death, he now fully resigned himself to the holy
will of God, and placed himself unreservedly in His
hands.

After a brief visit to his family and friends at Bil-
lom, he went to Saint Flour, with a view to procure
laborers for the new vineyard committed to his care.
The superior of the seminary in that city was M. Leva-
doux, his old friend and associate in the missions of
the West, well acquainted with the wants of his new
Diocese. His application was successful. With the
aid of M. Levadoux, he obtained a band of zealous
missionary recruits ; and he hastened his preparations
to depart with them for America.

Many of his friends strongly urged him to be conse-
crated in France, that they might have the happiness
to witness the ceremony: — “No, no,” said the prelate;
“Archbishop Carroll has taken the responsibility of
procuring my appointment, and he alone shall finish
the work which he has begun.”

On visiting M. Emery to take his leave, he received
from the hands of the latter a singular parting pres-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

65

• ^nt, — a box of needles, and a French book on cookery!
With admirable sang froid , the superior observed, on
handing him the articles : u These needles, my Lord,

may be of great service to you in the midst of your
savages; and as I greatly mistrust their manner of
cooking, take also this book.”*

On the 10th of April, 1810, he embarked from Bor-
deaux, accompanied by the Rev. M. Brute, M. Chabrat,
sub-deacon, and MM. Deydier, Derigaud, Romeuf, and
another young man, a deacon, who afterwards joined
the Jesuits at Georgetown. The vessel on which they
sailed was twice overhauled and detained by English
frigates, and was even in danger of being carried into
an British port ; but Providence averted this calamity.
.Napoleon having promulgated his continental system,
the English government claimed the right of visiting
every vessel trading with France. After a long and
tedious voyage of nearly three months, he arrived safe-
ly in Baltimore, some time early in the Julyf following.

As an immediate preparation for his consecration, he
made, in the vicinity of Baltimore, a retreat of forty
day 8, in imitation of Christ’s Retreat in the wilderness ;
during which precious period of grace, he imbibed
much of that apostolic spirit, which he manifested so
conspicuously throughout the fort* years of his epis-
copacy. On the 4th of November, the feast of St.
Charles Borromeo, to whom he had always cherished a
particular devotion, he was consecrated by Archbishop

* French Life — p. 34.

f This date of his arrival in Baltimore is given by M. David in a
letter to a friend in France, dated November 20, 1817.

5

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Carroll in the Cathedral of Baltimore. The assistant #
prelates were the lately consecrated first Bishops of
Boston and Philadelphia, Doctors Cheverueand Egan.*
The Bishop of Boston preached an affecting and elo-
quent sermon. The venerable Archbishop of Balti-
more could not restrain his tears at the touching
spectacle presented to his view on this solemn occasion.

Ten days after his consecration, the Archbishop con-
vened the three new Bishops, and held with them
several conferences, in which many important points
of discipline were agreed on and settled by mutual
consent. It was not, however, deemed advisable to
hold a Provincial Council, until the Bishops would
become better acquainted with the condition and wants
of their respective Dioceses. We will here give the
Preamble, or first of the resolutions thus provisorially
adopted ; — the most important of the acts themselves
have been published in our collection of the Provincial
Synods, made by authority of the Bishops.

“It appears to the Archbishop and Bishops now
assembled, that the holding of a Provincial Council
will be more advantageous at a future period, when
the situation and wants of the different Dioceses will
be more exactly known. This Provincial Council will,
be held, at farthest, within two years from the first of
November, 1*10; and in the meantime, the Arch-
bishop and Bishops will now consider together such,
matters as appear to them most urgent; and thej
recommend an uniform practice in regard to their

* Dr. Connolly, a Dominican, had been consecrated in Europe
first Bishop of New York; but he died at Naples, on the eve of hie
intended departure to take possession of his see.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 67

decisions, until the holding of the said Provincial
Council.’ 5 *

The new Bishop now ardently desired to repair im-
mediately to the theatre of his future labors; but
insuperable difficulties arose, which delayed his depar-
ture till the following spring. The principal obstacle
was his truly apostolic poverty; he had not wherewith
to defray the necessary expenses of his journey.

He corresponded on the subject with M. Badin, now
his Vicar General in Kentucky; and the latter opened
a subscription, with a view to raise the requisite sum.
But the poverty of the Catholics, most of whom were
new settlers, subsequently induced him to suspend the •
collection. The Bishop approved of this proceeding ;
for he was aware of the destitution of his new flock,
and he wished to do nothing to alienate their affections.

He wrote to M. Badin: “May the will of God be

done ! I would prefer a thousand times to walk, thari
create the slightest murmur.” And again : “ Be

pleased to take notice, that we are seven or eight per-
sons, and have but one horse among us. I intend td
let M. David, as being the slowest of foot, have the
use of this horse; I and my other companions will
perform the journey on foot, with the greatest pleasure;
and without the slightest reluctance. This manner of
pilgrimage will be more to my taste ; and unless I am
greatly deceived, it will not derogate from my dignity;
I, however, leave everything to your prudence.”f *

* From an old copy of the Acts, in an English translation;
dated November 15, 1810 : found among the papers of Bishop
Flaget.

f Taken from M. Badin’s “Statement of the Missions of Ken-

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68 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AHD

While he was placed in these difficulties, a number
of generous friends in Baltimore came to his relief, by
contributing the necessary amount. We will here let
him speak for himself ; laying before our readers an
extract from a Letter to the directors of {he Associa-
tion for the Propagation of the Faith, in France:

“ To give you a clear idea of the bishoprics of the
United States, I propose to lay before you a brief state-
ment of the condition in which I found myself, after
the Holy See, on the representation of Bishop Carroll,
had nominated me to the bishopric of Bardstown. I
was compelled to accept the appointment, whether I
.would or not; I had not a cent at my disposal; the
Pope and the Cardinals, who were dispersed by the
revolution, were not able to make me the slightest
present ; and Archbishop Carroll, though he had been
Bishop for more than sixteen ( twenty ) years, was still
poorer than myself; for he had debts, and I owed no-
thing. Nevertheless, my consecration took place on
the 4th of November, 1810 ; but for want of money to
defray the expenses of the journey, I could not under-
take it. It was only six months afterwards, that,
through a subscription made by my friends in Balti-
more, I was enabled to reach Bardstown, my episcopal
see.”*

At length, on the 11th of May, 1811, the Bishop
and his suite left Baltimore for the West. They trav-
eled over the mountains to Pittsburgh; whence they

tacky,” published in Paris in 1822 — p. 37, seq. An English trans-
lation of this correspondence was published in the U. S. Catholic
Miscellany; December 1, 1824.

* Annales de la Propagation, &c. Vol. iii — p. 189.

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP PLACET. 69

embarked on the 22d in a flat-boat, chartered specially
for the purpose.* They were thirteen days in descend-
ing the Ohio river to Louisville, where they arrived on
the 4th of June.

A Canadian priest — M. Savin e — had joined them;
and on the boat, all the exercises were conducted as in
a regularly organized seminary. Though “ M. David’s
health was in as bad a condition as the Bishop’s
funds, — it having been greatly shattered on the mis-
sions of Maryland, — yet he presided over all the spir-
itual exercises, the order of which had been previously
fixed by the Bishop.

u The boat on which we descended the Ohio became
the cradle of our seminary, and of the church of Ken-
tucky. Our cabin was, at the same time, chapel,
dormitory, study room and refectory. An altar was
erected on the boxes, and ornamented so far as circum-
stances would allow. The Bishop prescribed a regula-
tion which fixed all the exercises, and in which each
had its proper time. On Sunday, after prayer, every
* .

* At Pittsburgh, the Bishop met with Father Edward Fenwick,
of the order of St. Dominic, who was returning from Maryland
with his nephew, N. D. Young, and some others of the order.
Father Fenwick had already considerable experience in traveling,
and he was well acquainted with the West. He offered his services
to accompany the Bishop in the boat ; while his young companions
conducted the horses of the prelate and his suite by land through
Ohio. In the descent of the river, Father Fenwick acted as pur-
veyor and general superintendent This information is derived
from the Bev, N. D. Young, 0. S. D.

f Letter of M. David to a friend in France, dated November 20,
1817, and published in the “Journal de Marseilles/ 7 &c., October
17, 1818.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

one went to confession ; then the priests said Mass, and
the others went to communion. After an agreeable
navigation of thirteen days, we arrived at Louisville,
next at Bardstown, and finally at the residence of the
Yicar General.”*

At Louisville, the Bishop met the good M. Nerinckx,
who had come to welcome him in the name of the
clergy, and to escort him to Bardstown and St. Steph-
en’s.

We cannot better relate his journey to Bardstown,
or describe his sentiments in taking possession of his
see, than in his own words, contained in a Letter, — half
playful and half serious, — written to his brother in
France, a few days afterwards:

“While we were there, (in Louisville,) the faithful
of my episcopal city put themselves in motion to re-
ceive me in a manner conformable to my dignity.
They despatched for my use a fine equipage drawn by
two horses ; and a son of one among the principal
inhabitants considered himself honored in being the
driver. Horses were furnished to all those who accon#-
panied me, and four wagons transported our baggage.

“ It was then, for the first time, that I saw the bright
side of the episcopacy, and that I began to feel its
dangers. Nevertheless, God be thanked, if some
movements of vanity glided into my heart, they had
not a long time to fix their abode therein. The roads
were so detestable, that, in spite of my beautiful
chargers and my excellent driver, I was obliged to

* Letter of M. David to a friend in France, dated November 20,
1817.” — $up. cit.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

71

perform part of the journey on foot; and I should
have so traveled the entire way, had not one of my
young seminarians dismounted and presented me his
horse. * * #

u The next day, the sun was not yet risen when we
were already on our journey. The roads were much
better ; I entered the carriage with two of my suite. I
was not the more exalted (fier) for all this ; the idea
that I was henceforward to speak, to write, and to act
as Bishop, cast me into a profound sadness. How
many sighs did I not breathe forth while traversing
the four or five remaining leagues of our journey !

“ At the distance of a half league (a mile and a
half) from town, an ecclesiastic of my Diocese, accom-
panied by the principal inhabitants, came out to meet
me. So soon as they had perceived us, they dismoun-
ted to receive my benediction. I gave it to them, but
with how trembling a hand, and with what heaviness
of heart ! Mutual compliments were now exchanged,
and then we all together proceeded towards the town.
This cortege , though simple and modest in itself, is
something very new and extraordinary in this country.
It was the first time a Bishop was ever seen in these
parts {deserts ) ; and it was I, the very last of the last
tribe, who was to have this honor !

u In entering the town, I devoted myself to all the
guardian angels who reside therein, and I prayed to
God, with all my heart, to make me die a thousand
times, should I not become an instrument of His glory
in this new Diocese. O, my dear brother, have com-
passion on me, overloaded with so heavy a burden, and

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

pray fervently to God that He would vouchsafe to*
lighten it.”*

The Bishop entered Bardstown, — where there was as-
yet no church, — on the 9th of June ; and he reached
St. Stephen’s, the residence of M. Badin, on the 11th.
Here he was met by the clergy of his Diocese, and was
greeted by a large concourse of his people, anxious to
see their Bishop. The ceremony of his installation is
thus described by M. Badin :

“The Bishop there found the faithful kneeling on
the grass, and singing canticles in English : the coun-
try women were nearly all dressed in white, and many
of them were still fasting, though it was then four
o’clock in the evening ; they having entertained a hope
to be able on that day to assist at his Mass, and to re-
ceive the holy communion from his hands. An altar
had been prepared at the entrance of the first court,
under a bower composed of four small trees which
overshadowed it with their foliage. Here the Bishop
put on his pontifical robes. After the aspersion of the
holy water, he was conducted to the chapel in proces-
sion, with the singing of the Litany of the Blessed
Virgin ; and the whole function closed with the pray-
ers and ceremonies prescribed for the occasion in the
Roman Pontifical. ”f

Under circumstances so simple, yet so touching, did,
the first Bishop of the West enter into formal posses-
sion of his see.

We will close this chapter with a summary sketch of

* Letter, July 2, 1811. French Life — p. 41, seq.

t ‘‘Statement of M. Badin ” — sup. tit .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 78

the early Catholic missions of Kentucky, up to the
period of the Bishop’s arrivaj.

The first missionary who came to Kentucky was the
Rev. Father Whelan, an Irish Franciscan, who had
served as chaplain in the French navy sent out to our
assistance during the war of the revolution. After the
close of the struggle, he remained in America, and
was employed in different missions. It is believed that
he was sent out to Western Pennsylvania, and stationed
for some time at Sugar creek.* When he was selected
for the distant mission of Kentucky, he was living with
the Jesuits at New Town, Maryland.

Father Whelan was appointed missionary to our
State by the Very Rev. Dr. Carroll, then Vicar General
of the London Vicar Apostolic, in the spring of 1787.
He traveled to Kentucky with a colony of Catholics
from Maryland. Before his departure, it was reported
to Dr. Carroll that there were already in Kentucky
about fifty Catholic families, who had been for several
years deprived of all pastoral aid- and consolation.
The tide of emigration was then setting rapidly to-
wards this new territory, in what was then the far
West; and the number of Catholics was yearly in-
creasing. The latter were almost entirely from Mary-
land.

While watching over the infant missions of Ken-
tucky, Father Whelan had to contend against many
difficulties. He found that many abuses had crept in
among the Catholics, in consequence of their long con-
tinued spiritual destitution amidst the waving forests*
With zeal and energy he sought to extirpate these

* This fact was furnished by the Bishop of Pittsburgh..

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74 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

scandals, and to bring his flock to the knowledge and
practice of their Religion* He was only partially suc-
cessful in his efforts. He remained not quite three
years on this mission, enduring many privations. He
had not the satisfaction to be able to erect a single
church or chapel. Having encountered much opposi-
tion from the Protestants, and having unhappily met
with difficulties on the part of a portion of his own
flock, he returned to Maryland in the spring of 1790.
He was afterwards engaged on the missions of Mary-
land, chiefly on the Eastern Shore; and he seems to
have died there about the year 1805 or 1806.

The next priest who came to our State was the Rev.
W illiam de Rohan, born in France, of Irish parentage,
and a reputed doctor of the Sorbonne. He arrived in
Kentucky in the summer of 1790 ; and he was of con-
siderable assistance to the Catholics, until the arrival
of Father Badin in 1793. He passed the last years of
his life at St. Thomas’ seminary, and died piously there,
about the year 1&32.

The Rev. Father Badin, as we have seen, had come
to America in the same ship which bore to our shores
the Rev. MM. Flaget and David. He reached Balti-
more in the spring of 1792. Being only a sub-deacon,
he entered the seminary, and continued his studies
with zeal and success. He was ordained by Bishop
•Carroll, in the old cathedral of St. Peter’s, on the 25th
of May, 1793. He was the Jirst priest ever ordained
m the United States ; and he was destined to be the
real founder of our missions in Kentucky.

Appointed, soon after his ordination, to this difficult
and remote missionary district, he accepted the post

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CHARACTER OF BI8HOP FLAG ITT. 75

tendered him by Bishop Carroll, with fear and trem-
bling indeed, but still with courage and cheerful confi-
dence in God. He was accompanied to the West by
the Key. M. Barrieres, an older clergyman, likewise
from France, who had been named Vicar General by
Bishop Carroll.

“ The two missionaries left Baltimore on the 6th of
September, 1793, and traveled, like the Apostles, on
foot to Pittsburgh, over bad roads, and a rugged wil-
derness country. On the 3d of November, they em-
barked on a flat-boat, which was descending the Ohio
in company with six others. These boats were all well
armed, for fear of an attack from the Indians. About
that time, however, General Wayne was preparing his
great expedition against them; and they had enough
to do to defend their own wigwams, without prowling
about near the frontier settlements.

“ The boats were seven days in going down to Galli-
polis; and between this place and Pittsburgh, the
travelers saw but two small towns — Wheeling and
Marietta. The two priests remained for three days at
Gallipolis, the inhabitants of which place were French
Catholics, who had been long without a pastor. They
heartily welcomed the missionaries, who, during their
brief stay, sang High Mass in the garrison, and bap-
tized forty children. The good French colonists were
delighted ; and shed tears on their departure. They
were but a remnant of a large French colony of about
7,000, who had emigrated to America four or five
years previously. A French land company had put-
chased for them a large territory on the Scioto river ;
but the title to these lands proved defective : the colo-

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76 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

nists were defrauded, and many of them returned in
disgust to France, bitterly inveighing against Yankee
shrewdness in bargaining.

“ The two missionaries landed at Limestone, or Mays-
ville, where there were at that time about twenty
families. They proceeded on foot to Lexington, a dis-
tance of about sixty-five miles. They passed the first
night in an open mill, six miles from Limestone, lodg-
ing on the mill-bags, without any covering, during a
cold night, late in November. On the next day, they
passed the battle-ground of the Blue Licks, where M.
Barrieres picked up the skull of one of those who had
fallen there eleven years before. He carried it with
him, and retained it as a relic of the disastrous battle,
and as a memento of death. On the first Sunday of
Advent, M. Badin said Mass, for the first time in Ken-
tucky, at Lexington, in the house of Dennis M’Carthy,
an Irish Catholic, who acted as clerk in the commercial
house of Colonel Moyland, brother of the then Bishop
of Cork.

“ The missionaries had with them but one chalice ;
and after having ottered up the Holy Sacrifice, M.
Badin traveled sixteen miles to the Catholic settlement
in Scott county, where M. Barrieres said Mass on the
same day. Preparations were then in progress to erect
in this place a frame church. M. Badin remained in
Scott county for about eighteen months, occasionally
visiting the other Catholic settlements in Kentucky ;
M. Barrieres proceeded immediately to take charge of
the Catholic families in the vicinity of Bards town.

“ The difficulties of the times, and the rude state of
society in the infant colonies, soon determined M. Bar-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

77

rieres to leave the country. His habits had been
already formed, and he thought that he could not adapt
himself to the new state of things in the wilderness.
Accordingly, about four months after his arrival in
Kentucky, he left the State. In April, 1794, he de-
parted from Louisville, in a pirogue for New Orleans,
which, with all Louisiana and Missouri, was then in
possession of the Spaniards.

u The Spanish government was at that time appre-
hending an attack on Louisiana from the French
Republic; and M. Barrieres, being a Frenchman, was
arrested and detained for some time at New Madrid.
He immediately wrote to Baron Carondolet, the Span-
ish Governor of Louisiana, representing the objects of
his visit: and the Baron soon liberated him, and per-
mitted him to proceed, without farther molestation, to
New Orleans. Shortly after his arrival in this city, he
went to Attakapas, where he labored zealously in the
missions for nearly twenty years. In 1814, he sailed
for Bordeaux, where he died eight days after his arri-
val. About twenty-three years before, he had escaped
from a prison of this city, and from the death which
probably awaited him at the hands of the French
Jacobins ; and he had sailed from this port for Amer-
ica: and now he returned to the same place, but to
breathe his last.

U M. Badin was now left alone in the heart of the
wilderness. Keenly as he felt the desolation of heart
which this state of isolation brought with it, he yet
reposed his whole trust in God, who abundantly con-
soled him in all his tribulations. He remained alone
for nearly three years, and was at one time twenty-one

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78 SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

months without an opportunity of going to confes-
sion. He had to form the new congregations, to erect
churches at suitable places, and to attend to the spirit-
ual wants of the Catholic settlements scattered over
Kentucky ; and he had to do all this alone, and with-
out any advice or assistance. Well might he exclaim:
4 Oh! how much anguish of heart, how many sighs,
and how many tears, grow out of a condition so deso-
late! 5 Still he was not cast down, notwithstanding all
his perplexities.

“ His mind was also soothed by the cheering voice
of friendship. The nearest Catholic priest was M.
Rivet, who was stationed at Post Vincennes in 1795,
shortly after the departure from that station of the
illustrious missionary pioneer, the Rev. M. Piaget. In
France, he had been professor of rhetoric in the college
of Limoges : and he still continued to write Latin poe-
try with ease and elegance. He occasionally sent his
Latin poems to M. Badin, who also excelled in this
species of composition. When the French revolution
burst over Europe, M. Rivet took refuge in Spain,
where the Archbishop of Cordova made him his Vicar
General, for the benefit of the numerous French refu-
gees who had taken shelter beyond the Pirrenees.

“He and M. Badin mutually consoled each other, by
carrying on as brisk a correspondence as the difficulties
of the times would permit. There were then, however,
no post offices in the West; and the frowning wilder-
ness which interposed between these two friends ren-
dered the exchange of letters extremely difficult; and
wholly precluded the possibility of their visiting each
other ; even if this had been permitted by the onerous

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character of bishop fjlaget.

7»

duties with which each was charged. M. Rivet had
discovered at Vincennes a precious document of the
old Jesuit missions among the Indians of the North-
west. It consisted of two large folio volumes in man-
uscript, containing the Mass, with musical notes, and
explanations of it, together with catechetical instruc-
tions, in the Indian language. This document has
probably since disappeared.

“ When M. Badin first came to Kentucky, he esti-
mated the number of Catholic families in the State at
three hundred. These were much scattered ; and the
number was constantly on the increase, especially after
Wayne’s victory in 1794, and the treaty of Greenville
in the following year. There was then but one Cath-
olic in Bardstown — Mr. A. Sanders, to whose liberality
and generous hospitality the clergy of the early church
in Kentucky were so much indebted.

u He found the Catholics su tiering greatly from pre-
vious neglect, and in a wretched state of discipline.
Left alone with this extensive charge, he had to exert
himself to the utmost, and, as it were, to multiply
himself, in order to be able to meet every spiritual
want of his numerous flock. As the Catholics were
then almost wholly without churches or chapels, he
was under the necessity of establishing stations at suit-
able points, in private houses. These stations extended
from Madison to Hardin county — a distance of more
than a hundred and twenty miles ; and to visit them
all with regularity, he was compelled almost to live on
horseback. He estimates that, during his sojourn in
Kentucky, he must have rode on horseback at least
100,000 miles. Often was he exhausted with his

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80

SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

labors, and weighed down with the 4 solicitude of all
the churches.’

44 His chief stations during this time were those at
Lexington, in Scott county, in Madison county, in
Mercer county — where there were then about ten fami-
lies — at Holy Cross, at Bardstown, on Cartwright’s
creek — two miles from the present church of St. Bose — *
on Hardin’s creek, on the Bolling Fork, in Hardin
county, and at Poplar Neck, on the Beech Fork.

44 In all these places, except Madison and Mercer
counties, there are now fine brick churches ; but at the
period of which we are speaking, there was not one of
any kind, except a miserable log chapel, on the site of
the present church of Holy Cross ; and this had been
erected at the instance of M. De Bohan, before the
arrival of M. Badin in Kentucky. This temporary hut
was covered with clapboards, and was unprovided with
glass in the windows. A slab of wood, roughly hewed,
served for an altar. Such was the first Catholic church
in Kentucky ! As it was situated near the centre of the
Catholic settlements, M. Badin soon took up his resi-
dence near it ; and it then became the central point of
his mission, and the alma mater of Catholic churches
in the State. He subsequently erected a temporary
chapel at his own residence, three miles from Holy
Cross: this he called St. Stephen’s, after his patron
Saint.

44 M. Badin was indefatigable in his efforts to awaken
piety, and to restore a proper discipline among his
flock. He insisted particularly on having servants and
children taught the catechism. At every station he
had regular catechists, whose duty it was to teach them

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

81

the elements of the faith. He displayed on all occa-
sions particular zeal in the instruction of poor servants
of color. Whenever he visited a Catholic family, it
was his invariable custom to have public prayers, fol-
lowed by catechetical instructions. He every where
inculcated by word and example the pious practice of
having morning and evening prayer in families. He
was in the habit of repeating to children, in his usual
emphatic and pointed manner, the following maxims :
‘My children, mind this — no morning prayer, no
breakfast; no evening prayer, no supper: 5 and, ‘my
children, be good, and you will never be sorry for it. 5 ”*

Father Badin was at length consoled by the arrival
of other missionaries. The Bev. M. Fournier reached
Kentucky in 1797. “He was a native of the Diocese
of Blois, in France ; and, when driven from his native
country by the French revolution, he took refuge in
England. In London he taught the French language
for about four years, in order to obtain a subsistence.
Weary of this manner of life; and panting for a field
of action more congenial to his zeal for the salvation of
souls, he sailed for America, which he reached towards
the close of the year 1796. He at once offered his
'services to Bishop Carroll ; who gratefully accepted
them, and immediately sent him to Kentucky to the
assistance of M. Badin, of whose melancholy condition
he had been already well apprised.

“ M. Fournier, after a long and painful journey, in
the dead of winter, reached Kentucky in February,

- - — . - - — :l.

* Sketches of the Early Catholic Missions of Kentucky— p. 61,
eeqq. I;

6 -

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

1797. M. Badin received him with open arms, and
extended to him for several months the hospitality of
his own log cabin of St. Stephen’s. M. Fournier soon
purchased one hundred acres of ground, on the Rolling
Fork — the site of the present Holy Mary’s — and, after
having erected a temporary hut, removed thither in

1798. He then took charge of a portion of M. Badin’s
stations. He attended the congregation situated on
the Rolling Fork, on Hardin’s creek, on Cartwright’s
creek, on Rough creek in Hardin county; with those at
Danville, and in Madison county. When we reflect
that a distance of least one hundred and twenty miles
intervened between the two extreme points of this cir-
cuit, we will probably come to the conclusion, that,
like his fellow-laborer in the same field, he was cer-
tainly in no lack of employment.

44 He was an excellent priest ; pious, zealous, labori-
ous, and punctual to all his appointments. He was of
the ordinary size, and had a thin visage, furrowed with
care, but still beaming with habitual cheerfulness. His
manners were extremely popular ; he soon caught the
spirit, and adapted himself to the manners of the
country; and he had not one personal enemy. He
spoke English remarkably well, and preached sermons
which had the triple merit of being solid, shorthand
intelligible to the meanest capacity.

44 When not engaged in his missions, he was almost
constantly laboring on the little farm adjoining his
residence. His death was caused by the rupture of a
blood-vessel, through over exertion in raising large
beams of wood, to be sawed into plank. It was so
sudden, that his friend, M. Badin, arrived only in

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

88

time to assist at his funeral. His body was interred at
the church of Holy Cross. He had not yet reached
his fiftieth year.

44 Another French priest, M. Salmon, reached Ken-
tucky in February, 1799. He was from the same
Diocese (of Blois), and was an old and long tried friend
of M. Fournier; with whom he had been a fellow stu-
dent in the diocesan seminary of Blois, as well as his
associate in exile from his country. The two friends
had met and passed some years together in London.
After the arrival of M. Fournier in Kentucky, he
wrote to his friend in London, who followed him as
soon as he could make the necessary arrangements.
He was about forty-two years of age, of a delicate
frame; and, like M. Fournier, was well versed in the
English language.

U M. Badin, who was Vicar General, assigned him
the stations at Hardin’s creek, Poplar Neck, Mr. Gar-
diner’s, and Bards town. He was zealous and inde-
fatigable in the discharge of all his missionary duties.
Especially did he labor without intermission for the
instruction of children and servants in their catechism.
In whatever Catholic house he visited, he made it an
invariable rule to examine the children on their knowl-
edge of their Christian duties.

44 His zeal was rewarded with abudant fruits ; though
it pleased God, in the unsearchable ways of His Provi-
dence, speedily to put an end to his labors and suffer-
ings on this mission. He had been in Kentucky but
nine months, when his career was suddenly cut short
by death. He was the first priest who died on this
laborious mission, — and he fell a martyr to his zeal.

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84 8KETCHE8 OF THE LIFE, TIMES AKD

“In the discharge of his duties, he had caught a
violent cold, which confined him to his bed for six
weeks, in the house of M. Badin. When convalescent,
he determined to visit the station at Mr. Gwynn’s,
where he had an appointment to meet a Protestant
lady whom he was instructing and preparing for bap-
tism. He was a bad horseman, and was still very
feeble from his previous sickness. It was the 9th day
of November, 1799; and the snow covered the ground,
concealing a road which was rugged and difficult. M.
Badin endeavored to dissuade him from undertaking
the journey, in his debilitated condition ; but he was
firm in his resolution, and departed at an early hour in
the morning.

“ About a mile from Bardstown, on the road to Mr,
Gwynn’s, he was thrown violently from his horse, and
was dashed against a tree. He was stunned and mor-
tally wounded, in the breast and head. In his strug-
gles, he succeeded in dragging himself to a tree,
against which he leaned his head and shoulders, and
thus sat upright, near the road side. From 12 o’clock
until night he remained in this dreadful situation,
surrounded by the snow, benumbed with the cold, and
in the very agonies of death.

“ The good Mr. Gwynn, on hearing of his perilous
situation, was deeply affected . He flew to the spot,
where he discovered that' his worst anticipations were
more than realized. M. Salmon seemed on the very
point of death. He was immediately placed on horse-
back, and conveyed, with as much tenderness as possi-
ble, to the residence of Mr. Gwynn, about a mile
distant. Messengers were speedily despatched for

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGtBT.

85

physicians, and for the V. Rev. M. Badin. The latter
arrived at 2 o’clock the same night, having rode about
sixteen miles in little more than two hours. He found
M. Salmon insensible, reciting occasionally prayers in
jLatin, and acting as though he fancied himself at the
holy altar. M. Badin administered to him the last
sacraments, and remained with him till his death,
which took place on the following night, the 10th of
November. His remains were conveyed to the church
of Holy Cross, where they were interred with all the
ceremonies of the Roman Ritual.

“ The worthy partriarch of the American Church,
Bishop Carroll, seemed to take a special interest in the
missions of Kentucky. In the same year of M. Sal-
mon’s death, he sent out another zealous missionary to
labor in this distant field. The Rev. Mr. Thayer
arrived in Kentucky in the year 1799. He was the
first native of America who exercised the holy ministry
in our State. He had been a Presbyterian or Congre-
gationalist minister at Boston; and had been reared
with all that bitter hostility to the holy Catholic Church
so common to his sect.

“He left Kentucky in 1803; and subsequently went
to Ireland. He exercised the holy ministry for many
years in Limerick, where he contributed greatly to-
wards the revival of piety. The year of his death we
have not been able to ascertain with precision; but it
certainly occurred some time before the year 1822.
When M. Badin was in Paris during this year, he re-
ceived, from a respectable Irish gentleman of Limerick,
a glowing account of his zealous labors and edifying
death. Among other particulars, the gentleman allu-

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AKD

ded to mentioned the fact, that Mr. Thayer had in-
duced about two hundred of his penitents to make their
meditation daily.”*

For two years — from 1803 to 1805 — V ery Rev. M.
Badin was again left alone in the vast missions o£
Kentucky. After the death of his intimate friend,
Rev. M. Rivet, at Vincennes, his situation became still
more isolated and painful. There was no priest nearer
to him than those stationed at the missions on the
banks of the Mississippi, and at Detroit. Alone in
the immense forests, he labored with earnest zeal for
the spiritual profit of his large and scattered flock;
and God crowned his efforts with abundant fruits.
Abuses were every where rebuked or extirpated : piety
was seen to revive ; children and servants were instruc-
ted ; and it became a matter of wonder and edification,
that one zealous priest could accomplish so much good.

Ih the summer of 1805, he was consoled by the arri-
val of another valiant missionary ; who was to labor in
this portion of the vineyard for nearly twenty years,
with so much devotedness and success, as to be fairly
entitled to the name of the second founder of our Wes-
tern missions. This holy priest, whose name is still
held in benediction, and whose “ fruits yet remain,”
was the Rev. Charles Nerinckx. u Ile was born on
the 2d of October, 1761, at Herflelingen, in Haynault.f
His parents were distinguished for their virtues and
their strong attachment to Religion. His father was a
physician of some eminence in the profession ; and his
mother seems to have been a woman of great piety.

* Sketches of the Early Catholic Missions of Kentucky — p. 73,
seqq.

f In Belgium.

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CHARACTER OF HD3HOP FLAGET.

87

Hie studies completed, he was ordained priest in 1785 :
and in the following year was appointed cure, or pastor
of Malines, the archiepiscopal city. He filled this
important post for eight years, and gathered there the
abundant first-fruits of his ministry. The good people
of Malines yet remember his piety and laborious zeal,
the effects of which they still feel. The rectory of
Everbery Meerbeke, half way between Malines and
Brussels, having become vacant by the death of the
aged incumbent, M. Nerinckx was appointed to fill
it by the general suffrage of a board of examiners;
who, after the searching examination, or concursus,
recommended by the Holy Council of Trent for such
cases, unanimously awarded him the palm over all
other candidates. Though loath to leave Malinek,
where the people were much attached to him, yet he
hesitated not to enter upon the new field of labor thus
opened to him by Providence.

44 It was natural that a man of so much zeal, and one
who had done so much good, should be viewed with an
evil eye by the infidel leaders of the French revolution-
ary movement, who had recently taken possession of
Belgium. An order for his apprehension was accord-
ingly issued; and M. Nerinckx was compelled to fly
from his dear parish, which he left a prey to the de-
vouring wolves. In 1797 he secreted himself in the
hospital at Terremonde, which was under the charge
of twelve or fifteen Hospitalier nuns, of whom his aunt
was superioress. Here he remained for seven years,
during all of which time he carried his life in his
hands. He acted as chaplain to the hospital, the form-
er incumbent having been banished to the Isle of Rhe.

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88 SKETCHES OF THE UFE, TIMES AND

He bore his persecutions with entire resignation to the
holy will of God, and edified all by the practice of
every virtue. He encouraged the good nuns to perse-
vere in their heavenly calling of mercy. He said Mass
for them every morning at 2 o’clock, and then retired
to his hiding place before the dawn.

44 Beset with dangers, and uncertain as to the dura-
tion of the dreadful storm which was then sweeping
over Europe, M. Nerinckx at length determined to bid
adieu to his unhappy country, and to emigrate to the
United States, Here 4 the harvest was great, and the
laborers few ; ’ and no impediment was placed in the
way of a free exercise of Religion, according to each
one’s conscientious convictions. He accordingly made
his escape, in a vessel which sailed from Amsterdam to
the United States, on the 14th of August, 1804.

44 He had a long and dangerous passage of ninety days.
The old and rickety vessel was often in imminent dan-
ger of foundering at sea; and to add to the distress, a
contagious disorder carried off many of the passengers
and crew. Still they were not chastened under the rod
of affliction; the heart of M. Nerinckx often bled over
their wickedness, which he was wholly unable to check * r
and he afterwards was in the habit* of styling this ill-
fated ship, 4 a floating hell.’ The captain, in particular
was a very profane and wicked man. M. Nerinckx
was wont to ascribe his preservation from shipwreck,
to a special interposition of Divine Providence.

44 He reached Baltimore about the middle of Novem-
ber ; and immediately offered his services to the patri-
arch of the American Church — Bishop Carroll — for
whatever mission in the United States he might think

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OHAJRAOTER OF BlftHOP FJjAGBT. 69

proper to assign him. The Bishop received the
good exile with open arms, and immediately sent him
to Georgetown to prepare himself for the American
mission by learning English, with which , as yet, he
was wholly unacquainted. M. Nerinckx was then in
his forty -fifth year; and yet he applied himself with so
much ardor to the study of our language, as to
be able in a few months to speak and write it with con-
siderable facility.

•‘Bishop Carroll was well aware of the forlorn con-
dition of M. Badin, who was alone in Kentucky ; and
he determined to send the new missionary to his assis-
tance. And had he sent us no other, Kentucky would
still have ample reason to be forever grateful to him for
the invaluable treasure he gave in M. Nerinckx.

“ The good missionary hesitated not a moment to.
comply with the wish of his new superior. He left
Baltimore in the spring of 1805; and, after a long and
painful journey, reached Kentucky on the 5th of July
following. He immediately applied himself zealously
to the labors of the mission, which he cheerfully shared
with M. Badin, the Vicar General. For the first seven
years he resided with M. Badin, at St, Stephen’s; after-
wards, he took up his residence chiefly near the church
of St. Charles, which he had erected on Hardin’s creek,
and named after his patron Saint. But he was seldom,
at home : he lived on his scattered missions, and passed
much of his time on horseback.

“His labors in the arduous field upon which he had
now entered were as great as their fruit was abundant.
With his whole soul, he devoted himself to the work
of the ministry. He even seemed to court labors and

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8KBTOHES OF TEE LIFE, TIMES AND

Bufferings for their own sake. Of a powerful frame,
and of herculean constitution, he never spared himself.
His rest was brief, and his food was generally of the
coarsest kind. He usually arose several hours before
day, which hours he devoted to prayer and study. In
fact, he seemed to be always engaged in mental prayer,
no matter how numerous or distracting were his em-
ployments.

“He appeared to live solely for God, and for his
neighbor. Performing his duty was his daily bread.
And though old age was fast creeping over him, yet he
relaxed in nothing his exhausting labors. His soul
was still fresh and vigorous; and God so preserved his
health, that, even at the age of sixty, he seemed gifted
with all the strength and vigor of youth.

“He seldom missed offering up the Holy Sacrifice
daily, no matter what had been his previous fatigues or
indisposition. Often was he known to ride twenty-five
or thirty miles fasting, in order to be able to say Mass.
His missionary labors would be almost incredible, were
they not still so well remembered by almost all the
older Catholics of Kentucky.

“ His courage was unequalled : he feared no difficul-
ties, and was appalled by no dangers. Through rain
and storms ; through snows and ice ; over roads ren-
dered almost impassable by the mud; over streams
swollen by the rains, or frozen by the cold ; by day and
by night, in winter and in summer; he might be seen
traversing all parts of Kentucky in the discharge of
his laborious duties. Far from shunning, he seemed
even to seek after hardships and dangers.

“ He crossed wilderness districts, swam rivers, slept

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAOET.

91

in the woods among the wild beasts ; and while under-
going all this, he was in the habit of fasting, and of
voluntarily mortifying himself in many other ways.
His courage and vigor seemed to increase with the
labors and privations he had to endure. As his cour-
age, so neither did his cheerfulness, ever abandon him.
He seldom laughed, or even smiled; but there was
withal an air of contentment and cheerfulness about
him, which greatly qualified the natural austerity of
his countenance and manners. He could, like the
great Apostle, make himself 4 all to all, to gain all to
Christ . 5 He appeared even more at home in the cabin
of the humblest citizen, or in the hut of the poor
negro, than in the more pretending mansions of the
wealthy.

u He was averse to giving trouble to others, especial-
ly to the poor. Often, when he arrived at a house in
the night, he attended to his own horse, and took a
brief repose in the stable, or in some out-house ; and
when the inmates of the house arose next morning,
they frequently perceived him already up, and saying
his office, or making meditation. He made it an inva-
riable rule never to miss an appointment, whenever it
was at all possible to keep it. He often arrived at a
distant station early in the morning, after having rode
during all of the previous night. On these occasions,
he heard confessions, taught catechism, gave instruc-
tions, and said Mass for the people generally after
noon ; and he seldom broke his fast until three or four
o’clock in the evening.

44 In swimming rivers, he was often exposed to great
danger. Once, in going to visit a sick person, he came

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92 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMER AND

to a stream which his companion knew to be impassa-
ble. M. Nerinckx took the saddle of his friend — who
refused to venture — placed it on his own, and then re-
mounting the horse, placed himself on his knees on
the top of the two saddles, and thus crossed the flood
which flowed over his horse’s back. On another occa-
sion he made a still more narrow escape. He was
swept from his horse, which lost its footing and was
carried away by the current; and the rider barely
saved himself, and reached the other shore, by clinging
firmly to the horse’s tail J

“On one of his missionary tours, he narrowly escap-
ed being devoured by the wolves, which then greatly
infested those portions of Kentucky which were not
densely settled.

“M. Nerinckx often manifested his great bodily
strength in the course of his laborious life. He erec-
ted no less than ten churches in Kentucky; two of
which — >those of Holy Cross and of Lebanon — were of
brick; and the rest of hewed logs. He was not con-
tent with directing the labors of others: he was seen
intermixing with the workmen, aiding them in cutting
timber ^ in clearing out the undergrowth, and in every
other species of hard labor. He generally worked
bareheaded under the broiling sun : and, in removing
heavy timber, or as it is commonly called, rolling logs,
he usually lifted against two or three men of ordinary
strength! He built his own house, chiefly with his
own hands ; and was wont to say cheerfully, c that his
palace had cost him just $6,50 in money ! ’

“ He had charge of six large congregations, besides a
much greater number of stations, scattered over the

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OBABACrm or BffiHOP J^LAGBTP*

whole extent of Kentucky. Wherever he could learn
that there were a few Catholic settlers, there he estab-
lished a station, or erected a church. The labor which
he thus voluntarily took on himself, is almost incredi-
ble. To visit all his churches and stations, generally
required the space of at least six weeks.

“ He never took any rest or recreation. He seemed
always most happy, when most busily engaged. He
seldom talked, except on business ; or on God, on virtue*
or on his missionary duties. On reaching a church or
station, his confessional was thronged with peni-
tents, from the early dawn until mid-day. Before
beginning to hear confessions, he usually said some
prayers with the people, and then gave them a solid
and familiar instruction on the manner of approaching
the holy tribunal. If he seemed austere out of the
confessional, he was in it a most kind, patient, and
tender father. He spared no time nor pains to instruct
his penitents ; all of whom, without one exception, were
deeply attached to him. To his instructions, chiefly in
the confessional, are we to ascribe the piety and regu-
larity of many among the living Catholics in Ken^
tucky.

“ But it was on the children and servants that he
lavished his labor with the greatest relish. Thorough-
ly to instruct them, and prepare them for their first
communion, was his darling enjoyment. He thought
no time nor labor, that was devoted to this favorite
object, too long or ill-spent. For this purpose, he usu-
ally remained a week at each of the churches and sta-
tions. During this time, he had the children and

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94 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

servants daily assembled, and devoted his whole time
to them.

“ God blessed his labors with fruits so abundant and
permanent, as to console him for all his toils and priva-
tions. He witnessed a flourishing church growing up
around him, in what had recently been a wilderness,
inhabited only by fierce wild beasts and untameable
savages. He saw, in the virtues of his scattered flock,
a revival of those which had rendered so illustrious the
Christians of the first ages of the church. M. Badin
had laid the foundation ; and, like a skillful architect,
he reared the superstructure, in that portion of the
flock entrusted to his charge. The results of his labors
prove how much one good man, with the blessing of
God, can achieve by his single efforts, prompted by the
lofty motive of the Divine glory, and directed by
simplicity of heart to one noble end.”*

The next missionaries who came to Kentucky were
members of the Order of St. Dominic. They belonged
to an English province of the Order, who, persecuted
in their own country, fled to Belgium, tad there estab-
lished a flourishing college at Bornheim; of which
Father Thomas Wilson was president, and Father
Edward Fenwick, procurator. In the spring of 1805,
this institution was forcibly seized on by the French
troops. Father Wilson and the other English members
escaped to England; Father Fenwick was cast into
prison, from which he was, however, soon released, in
consideration, that being a native of Maryland, he was

* Sketches of the Karly Catholic Missions of Kentucky — p. 131,

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95

an American citizen, whom the French did not dare
retain in captivity.

Having joined his brethren in England, Father Fen-
wick petitioned that they should be permitted to emi-
grate to America. This was granted, and Father
Fenwick was named provincial.

“The members of the Order who accompanied F.
Fenwick to the United States were three in number:
FF. Thomas Wilson, William Raymond Tuite, and R.
Anger; all natives of England. They presented them-
selves to Bishop Carroll, who welcomed them warmly
to his extensive Diocese, which then embraced the
whole territory of the United States. When F. Fen-
wick applied for advice as to the most suitable location
for the new Dominican province, Bishop Carroll recom-
mended the distant and destitute missions of Kentucky.
To his tender solicitude for the prosperity of our infant
missions, we had, early in the same year, been indebted
for the invaluable services of M. Nerinckx; and now
we were to be in debt to the same goodness, for a
whole band of zealous and efficient missionaries.

“In the fall of the year, 1805, F. Fenwick paid a
visit to Kentucky, to examine the country, and to de-
cide on the most fitting situation for the new establish-
ment. Having satisfied his mind on the subject, he
returned to Maryland, late in the same, or early in the
following year. In the spring of 1806, he and his
brethren removed to Kentucky, where they established
themselves in the present Washington county, on a
farm which had been purchased with the rich patri-
mony of F. Fenwick. The new establishment was
called St. Rose, after the Virgin of Lima — the proto-

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SKETCHES Ot TMfi LlEE, TIMES AtfD

saint of the Dominican Order in America. Thus F»
Fenwick was the founder of the Dominican Order in
the United States ; and he was afterwards destined to
be the father and founder of the missions of Ohio, and
its first Bishop.

“Having thus founded St. Rose’s, F. Fenwick deter-
mind to commit the destinies of the new establishment
to another, whom, in his humility, he sincerely believed
better qualified than himself to conduct it with success.
He accordingly obtained from the General of the Order
permission to resign his office of superior, in favor of
F. Thomas Wilson, who, by an extraordinary privilege,
was named provincial for an indefinite period.* F.
Fenwick then became a private member of the Order ;
preferring rather to live under obedience than to incur
the responsibility of commanding*”!

He now devoted himself almost entirely to the mis-
sions. He felt a great relish for the holy work of
seeking out and saving sinners. With a peculiar tact,
he turned the conversation to Religion; and while
those into whose company he was thrown were placed
completely at their ease in his presence, he seldom
failed to produce a very favorable impression on their
minds. He reclaimed many sinners, and converted
many Protestants. He and his religious associates
were among our most efficient early missionaries.

As we shall see a little later, they laid the founds
tions of Catholicity in Ohio.

' :f Usque ad revocationem.

f Sketches of the Early Catholic Missions of Kentucky — p. 152,

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

97

CHAPTER y.

FIRST TllREE YEARS OF HIS EPISCOPACY — JOURNEY TO BAL-
TIMORE.

1811 — 1814 .

Extent of his Diocese — Fewness of priests — First priest ordained
in the West — Statistica— His episcopal palace — Retreats and cler-
ical conferences — Subjects of uneasiness — Resources for comfort
and strength— His seminary — Father David — Zeal of semina-
rians— Thomas Howard — -Prospects of the seminary — Severe
inissioiwy labors— Visitations and privations — Journey to Bal-
timore — Visits the Northern portion of his Diocese — And passes
through Ohio— Incidents of travel — His impression of Balti-
more— Returns.

In entering upon his episcopal career in the West,
Bishop Flaget had much need of strong faith and un-
wavering reliance in Providence. Human resources
were but fe# and slender. With a Diocese extending
over so vast a territory, and having Catholic settle-
ments scattered over it at points the most remote from
one another, he had need of a large and intrepid mis-
sionary band to supply even the most necessary spirit-
ual wants of his flock.

Yet, on his arrival in Kentucky, he found only three
secular priests, besides four Dominican fathers estab-
lished in their convent of St. Rose. The Rev. MM.
Nerinckx and O’Flynn were the only missionary asso-
7

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES A tit)

ciates of M. Badin, among the secular clergy* The
Canadian priest — M. Savine — who accompanied him
from Baltimore, remained but a few months in Ken-
tucky before he was sent to attend the congregations
of Cahokias and St. Louis; and including M. David,
the total number of his clergy, both secular and regu-
lar, amounted to but eight.

On the Christmas day after his arrival, he had the
happiness to add another to this number, by the ordi-
nation of Bev. M. Chabrat, which took place at St.
Rose’s. He was the first priest ordained in the West,
as M. Badin had been the first in the East.

We shall have occasion, a little later, to refer to the
religious statistics of that portion of his Diocese which
lay outside of Kentucky. In the State itself there
were about a thousand Catholic families, with dn
aggregate population not exceeding six thousand souls.
There were thirty congregations, ten churches or chap-
els already built, and six in progress of erection. Be-
sides the Dominican convent of St. Rose, established
in the spring of 1>06, there were a few poorly furnish-
ed pastoral residences, and six plantations, — most of
them of little value,— belonging to the Church.

Such was the condition of that part of his Diocese
which was more immediately under his eye, when he
entered upon the administration. The resources, real
and personal, were certainly not very abundant; nor
were the prospects, according to any merely human
standard of judging, very promising. He had almost
every thing to create. But the less he possessed of
human means, the more firmly did he rely on the

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGKT.

assistance of that God, who created all things out of
nothing.

He resided during the first year at St. Stephen’s —
the present Loretto ; — with MM. Badin and Nerinckx,
M. David and the seminarians. His accommodations
were of the apostolic order, and his palace would have
done honor to the primitive Bishops of the Church.

u M. Badin had for his own lodging but one poor log
house; and in consequence of the expenses he had
lately incurred in building a house for a monastery,
which was burnt down ere it had been completed, it
was with great difficulty that he was enabled to build
and prepare, for the residence of his illustrious friend
and the ecclesiastics who accompanied him, two miser-
able log cabins, sixteen feet square. One of the mis-
sionaries was compelled to sleep on a matress in the
garret of this strange episcopal palace, which was
whitewashed with lime, and contained no other furni-
ture than a bed, six chairs, two tables, and a few planks
for a library. Here the Bishop resided for a year, es-
teeming himself happy to live thus in the midst of
apostolical poverty.”*

Among the subjects which engaged his early pastoral
solicitude, the sanctification of his clergy, and the
ordering of an uniform discipline, were not the least
prominent. The more effectually to secure these ends,
he frequently convened the missionaries in spiritual
retreats, followed by synods, or rather conferences, on
various points connected with pastoral duties and the
administration of the sacraments.

* M. Badin's Statement — sup. cit.

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1U0 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIME*? AND

The first of these conferences took place at St. Steph-
en’s, on the 20th of February, 1812.* Eight priests
attended ; and various points were discussed ; some of
which were settled, and others adjourned to a subse-
quent meeting, held at the Bame place on the 21st of
the ensuing May. Among the points under considera-
tion at these conferences, a principal one was the dis-
tribution of the Diocese into missionary districts, with
defined limits ; — a matter of no little difficulty, when
the small number of missionaries and the vast extent
Of territory were taken into account. To give some
idea of these districts, it may be observed that the one
assigned to M. Nerinckx embraced nearly half the
State, extending from Washington to Union county;—
a territory in which there are, at present, more than
thirty organized congregations I

Many other subjects awakened his solicitude during
this early period of his administration.

1. The proposed departure of M. Nerinckx for
Europe, on business connected with the missions and
the founding of the Loretto Society, gave him no little
uneasiness. He could not hope to supply the place of
this courageous missionary, and he accordingly induced
him to defer his departure for three years.

2. He had no Cathedral, nor even a church or resi^
dence of any kind in Bardstown, his see; and he had
no means for erecting one. He had thoughts of enga-
ging, as architect, a Mr. Weiss, of Baltimore; but aa
the prospect of obtaining the funds requisite for even

* Bishop's Journal, February 20, 1812. This is the first entry
on the Journal, to Vhich so frequent reference will be made in the
sequel.

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CHARACTER OF lilSHOP FLAGET. 101

a respectable commencement were very gloomy, he
deferred the project to more favorable times, commit-
ting it to the hands of Providence.

3. Difficulties arose as to the settlement of various
legal questions connected with the church property in
Kentucky, which it required several years to adjust in
a satisfactory manner.

4. The solicitude of all the churches weighed heavily
on his mind and troubled his delicate conscience : the
vastness of the work to be done, and the fewness of the
laborers, formed the principal elements of the dif-
ficulty.*

. In the midst of all these perplexities, his resources
for consolation and strength were frequent visits to the
Blessed Sacrament, and constant prayer. He often
retired from the agitation of public life into the depths
of his cherished solitude ; where he without interrup-
tion communed with God in holy retreat. Thus we
find him making a spiritual retreat, February 12, 1812;
and again, April 18 — 20, of the same year.

He derived much consolation from this last ; and he
records the sentiment: “God is very good, — I desire to
love Him and to make others love Him.”f Towards
St. Joseph he cherished a tender devotion ; he confi-
dently committed himself and all his spiritual children
and friends to his patronage ; frequently breathing the
prayer: u St. Joseph, my Patron, pray for all the
friends who have thought of me.”J

In the sad dearth of missionaries, he naturally turned

* Condensed from different entries in his Journal.

f Journal, in loco , 1812.

% Ibid , March 19, 1812.

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102 SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

his eyes to his infant seminary, the future hope of the
Diocese. In a long conversation with his intimate
friend, M. David, on this subject, he was much cheered
by the prospect of soon being able to see, reared up
under his own eye, zealous priests who might worthily
minister at the holy altar, and break the bread of life
to his people.

Father David had been already appointed by M.
Emery superior of the seminary ; and a better choice
could not have been made. Solidly grounded in theo-
logical knowledge, and in the practice of those higher
virtues which make up the interior and spiritual life,
he was regular and systematic in every thing he said
and did, as well as industrious and indefatigable in his
exertions. He devoted himself with untiring zeal to
his office. It mattered not whether he had twenty
seminarians under his charge, or only two or three ;
his interest and labors for their advancement were all
the same. He began with only three seminarians ; in
five years, the number had swelled to fifteen, of whom
five were students of theology. We will let him speak
on the subject, in his own simple language:* •

u There (at St. Stephen’s) our seminary continued its
exercises for five months. The Bishop lived in a log
cabin which had but one room, and was called the
episcopal palace . The seminarians lodged in another
cabin, all together, and myself in a small addition to
the principal house. A good Catholic (Mr. Thomas
Howard,) who had labored for sixteen years to make
an establishment for the Church, then bequeathed to

* In his Letter to a friend in France, November 20, 1817 — sup.
eit.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

103

the Bishop a fine plantation :* and in November, 1811 ,
the seminary was removed thither. After five years
we finally succeeded in building a brick church, sixty-
five feet long by thirty wide. The interior is not yet
sufficiently ornamented, for want of means ; it is, how-
ever, in a condition sufficiently decent for the celebra-
tion of the divine offices. The Bishop officiates in it
on the great festivals; and in it three ordinations
have already taken place.”

The young seminarians seem to have entered fully
into the spirit which animated their superior, whom
they greatly esteemed and loved; and they labored
with a zeal worthy those primitive times of our mis-
sions, when every thing was to be founded :

“They made bricks, cut wood, &c., to build the
church of St. Thomas, the seminary, and the convent
of Nazareth. The poverty of our infant establishments
compelled them to spend their recreations in labor.
Each day they devoted three hours to work in the gar-
den, in the fields, or in the woods. Nothing could be
more frugal than their table, which was also that of
the Bishops, f and in which water is their ordinary
drink ; nothing, at the same time, could be more simple
than their dress. ”J

Such devotedness could not fail of being blessed by
God: “ We have at length succeeded,” writes Father
David, u thanks to God, in building a seminary thirty

* The farm of St. Thomas, — named after the Patron Saint of
the donor.

f Bishop Dubourg was at St. Thomas’ at the time to which this
account refers.

t M. Badin’s “Statement” — sup. cit.

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104 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

feet square. The second story, which is a garret,
serves as a dormitory, and may contain twenty-five
persons ; it is habitable in winter.”*

Though some of these details belong to a later
period, yet they are given here, in order that what con-
cerns the early history of the seminary might be pre-
sented in the same connection.

The missionary labors undertaken by Bishop Flaget,
during the first year of his administration, are scarcely
credible. He was almost incessantly engaged in the
confessional, in administering the sacraments, and in
visiting the sick. He was always the leading mission-
ary, and he had to supply the place of his priests,
whenever they were indisposed, or absent on distant
missions. Scarcely a day passed without a sick call,
which, in most cases, he was compelled to attend him-
self. It was common with him to ride thirty, forty,
and even fifty miles, to visit the dying.

One instance, which we find recorded in his Journal,
will give some idea of his labors at this period. During
the first four months of the year 1812, he rode eight
hundred miles on horseback, on missionary duty. He
was heard to observe in his old age, that in those early
years, he did not remember to have often passed four
days continuously under the same roof! f He lived
the greater portion of his time on horseback. Yet he
was seldom known to miss saying Mass ; having, more
than once, rode from twenty to thirty miles fasting, in
order to have the consolation of ministering on that
day at the holy altar. It required an herculean consti-

* Letter — sup. cit.

f Slightly modified from the account in the French Life—p, 53.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. . 105

tufcion to undergo so much fatigue; and God, who
sweetly proportions the means to the end, had accord-
ingly blessed him with a strong frame, and with almost
uniterrupted good health.

At this time, when nearly every thing in Western
social life is so much changed for the better, we cap
scarcely imagine the privations to which the Bishop
and his missionary priests were exposed at the period
in question. Whithersoever he went, he was, indeecji,
cheerfully accommodated with the best food and lodg-
ing which his hospitable entertainers could provide.
But these were, in general, necessarily such as to tax
heavily even his confirmed habit of mortification. The
food, as well as the manner of preparing it, was not
what he had ever been accustomed to; while the room
in which he lodged was frequently open to the weather.
We do not read in his Journal, that he eyer once put
in requisition the French cookery book, so kindly pre-
sented to him by the considerate M. Emery, on his de-
parture from France!

His episcopal visitations were but a continuation of
his arduous missionary labors. Before the year 1815,
he had twice visited all the congregations lying in Ken*
tucky.* In his Report, presented to the Sovereign
Pontiff while he was in Rome in 1836, he refers to the
manner in which he performed these early visitations
of his Diocese:

44 In order properly to fulfill the task imposed on me>
I was compelled to traverse a territory six or seven
times more extensive than Italy ; and it was, in many
respects, after the manner of the apostles that I had to

* Journal-^

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106 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

undertake all these journeys: for I had absolutely
nothing, except the blessings with which the venerable
Archbishop of Baltimore had crowned me; to which
he added a portable Pontifical, the chief riches of my
episcopal chapel. Yet I must say, that, in the midst of
this poverty, I was rich in hopes.

“ In the long journeys upon which I entered in order
to know my flock and to be known by them, I was
sometimes alone; and at others, accompanied by a
priest who imparted to me the information which he
had acquired. Every Sunday, I found myself in a
parish church, to fulfill therein all the offices of a mis-
sionary. * * In the course of the week, I visited

the neighboring stations, devoting to each one or two
day 8, to say Mass, hear confessions, and teach cate-
chism.”

We will close this chapter with a summary account
of the Bishop’s journey to Baltimore, in the fall of
1812, extracted from his Journal.

On the 10th of June, 1812, he had received a letter
from M. Brute, written in the name of Archbishop Car-
roll, stating that it was in contemplation to convene a
Provincial Council in the following November, and re-
questing his attendance.* He had other motives like-
wise for making this journey. He desired to take the
advice of the Archbishop in reference to the question
of church property in Kentucky, concerning which
there was some difference of opinion between himself
and his Yicar General. He wished also to obtain

* As we have already seen, the Bishops in their meeting at Bal-
timore, in November, 18X0, had resolved to hold a Provincial Coun-
oil, at a time not later than November 1, 1812,

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBFT. 10Y

additional seminarians, and to procure a copy of the
rules established by St. Yineent of Paul for the govern-
ment of the sisters of charity; — a branch of which
admirable society he contemplated establishing in his
own Diocese.

He moved his effects to St. Thomas’ on the 10th of
August, and immediately set about making the neces-
sary preparations for his journey. He convened hi*
clergy, and held with them a conference, — the third in
this year, — on matters connected with the missions.
He ordered public prayers on occasion of the war just
commencing with Great Britain. On the 8th of Sep-
tember, he visited St. Charles, to take leave of the sis-
ters of Loretto, lately established there by M. Nerinckx ;
and on the same evening he returned to the seminary
of St. Thomas.

On the next day, he started on horseback, accompa-
nied by the Bev. M. Ohabrat. Determining to visit a
portion of the Diocese, en route , the travelers passed
through Shelby county ; where, at the house of a Mr.
Howell, they performed the usual missionary duties.
M. Chabrat preached twice, “with great fire and unc-
tion,” to a large audience, composed mostly of Protes-
tants. The subjects of his sermons were: the use of
time; and the necessity of baptism. Thence they
proceeded to Flat creek, where, not having been ex-
pected, they found but few in attendance. The next
congregation visited was that in Scott county. Here
M. Chabrat left the Bishop to return to his missionary
station ; and he was replaced by Father Badin, with
whom the Bishop continued his journey. At Lexing-
ton, they were hospitably entertained by Mr. Tibbatts.

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108 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TDftES AND

There were about thirty families in this congregation
at that time; but Religion was found to be in a lan-
guishing condition. Only seventeen approached the
sacraments ; and even this number was considered by
M. Badin as extraordinary, and in consequence of the
impulse given by the Bishop’s visit.

They left Lexington on the 29th of September, and
proceeded on horseback, by the way of Paris and the
Rlue Licks, to Washington, in Mason county, where
they were kindly received by Mr. O’Neill. They said
Ma 88 &t his house, and the Bishop preached on the
holy sacrifice, without, — he thought, — producing any
very deep impression on the hearts of his hearers.
Father Badin accepted an invitation from the people
of the town to preach in the court house. His subject
was baptism, and his audience large and attentive,
qonsisting almost entirely of Protestants. When he
bad concluded, a Catholic, who had never before avow-
ed his Religion, came forward and presented his five
children for baptism. A Dr. Watts also, who had
married a Protestant lady, took courage to confess his
faith, and promised to have his children baptized on
the Bishop’s return.

At Limestone, — now Maysville, — they found but one
Catholic, a Mr. Gallagher. The Bishop remarks with
pain, that Religion was almost entirely disappearing
from this quarter of his Diocese, to which few Catho-
lics had ever emigrated ; that the black population was
sunk in the most deplorable ignorance; and that the
whites were involved in a sad religious indifference.
A zealous priest, he adds^ might form a respectable

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 10$

congregation at Lexington, with numerous stations be-
tween that town and the Ohio river.*

On the 7th of October, the missionaries crossed the
Ohio river, and entered the young, but thriving State
of Ohio. The first Catholic they met in this State was
William Cassel, a Germ an, f whose children they bap-
tized. The road from the river to Chillicothe was
44 covered With Methodist preachers,” whose mistaken
zeal struck forcibly the mind of the Bishop ; and he
thought that, in this respect, their example might well
serve to arouse the energy of the lawfully appointed
heralds of truth. At Chillicothe they found a few
Catholics, who were, however, ashamed to confess their
faith, and who even attended the Protestant meeting
houses. But between Chillicothe and Lancaster, they
were hospitably .entertained by a Catholic family, who
had remained firm and unshaken in their attachment
to the Church.

On the 10th of October they reached Lancaster;
where they found three or four Catholic families of
high standing in society, and baptized five children.
The Bishop cherished hopes that in time a good con-
gregation would be formed here ; but he remarked
with regret that “the devotion to the Holy Virgin
seemed unknown,” in these parts.J

After leaving Lancaster on the way to Somerset, thn
missionaries stopped at a log cabin on the road side, to

* Journal, in locis .

f He induced this man and his wife to remove to Kentucky.
They were very piously disposed, and lived for many years in one
of the religious establishments.

X Journal — Ibid.

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J10 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

procure some refreshments. The people there consid-
ered them land speculators, and asked whence they
came ? When they heard that the travelers had come
from Kentucky, the landlord exclaimed: “From Ken-
tucky ? I have been for a long time thinking of Ken-
tucky, with my wife! They say there are churches
and priests there. Wife! we must go thither; it is
thirteen years since we saw either a church or a priest;
and my poor children ! ”

Here Bishop Flaget, deeply moved, interrupted him:
“No, my children, stay where you are; I am your
JJishop ; I will endeavor to send you a priest, at least
once a year, to console you: — are there any more Cath-
olics in this neighborhood?” We may imagine the
jjoy imparted by this intelligence. He was informed
by the head of the family, whose name was Fink, that
there were two other Catholic families at a distance of
three miles; like himself, of German origin. Their
name was Dittoe. The Bishop did not delay to pay
them a visit; and he offered up the holy sacrifice at
one of their houses, on the 11th of October.

This was the first time that a Bishop had ever said
Mass in Ohio; and the second time that the clean obla-
tion was offered up within the limits of the State: —
the first occasion having been when M. Badin, stopping
at Gallipolis in 1793, on his way to Kentucky, said
Maas there for the French *inhabi tan ts.* The above
date may then be considered, in some respects, as the
birth-day of Catholicity in Ohio.

The Dittoes, with the assistance of their neighbors,

* Ohio was then only a territory.

»

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CHARACTER OP filBHOP FLAGKT.

Ill

had purchased 320 acres of land for the church, a por-
tion of which was already cleared. The Bishop visited
this land, and advised them to erect thereon a house,
which might serve as a residence for a priest, and also
as a temporary chapel. They promised to comply with
his advice, and he was cheered with the hope that, at
no distant day, Catholic worship w T ould be performed
there with great splendor; — the Germans having a
great taste for music.*

Continuing their journey, the travelers proceeded to
Baltimore by the way of Wheeling and Emmittsburgh,
at which latter place they arrived on the last day of
October. Wherever they stopped for repose or refresh-
ment, they made inquiries for Catholics; of whom
they found but few on their route. M. Badin created
quite a sensation, by publishing every where on the
road, u to the right and to the left,” that they were not
speculators, but genuine Catholic priests and mission-
aries !|

The Provincial Council, to attend which had been
one of the principal objects of the Bishop’s visit to
Baltimore, was not held, for some reason not indicated
by the Bishop in his Journal.!

* Journal, in loco.

f This characteristic incident is duly recorded by the Bishop in

his Journal.

t We gather from some hints thrown out in the Bishop's corres-
pondence, that perhaps the principal reason was the difficulty, or
rather impossibility, of communicating with the Sovereign Pontiff,
then in prison. Archbishop Carroll felt a delicacy in holding a
Provincial Council without the previous sanction of the Pope ; and
he therefore deemed it advisable to defer it till better times would
dawn on the Church and its visible head. In a letter written from

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SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

He, however, exerted himself to accomplish the re-
gaining purposes of his journey ; in which he was hut
partially successful. The times were so hard, that it
was not deemed advisable to take up a collection in
Baltimore ; M. Badin, however, not so easily deterred,
Was busily engaged in soliciting subscriptions among
the Catholics in Washington city. |

' Meantime, winter set in with great severity; at&
the Bishop, much to his regret, was detained in Balti-
more till the ensuing spring. He expresses his reluc-
tance in being thus kept away from his beloved Diocese,
in the following rather singular comparison: “An

olive tree transplanted to Lapland, would not be more
out of place than I am at Baltimore, where I am d#
tained by snow and bad roads.”*

He took apartments in the seminary, where he wai
warmly welcomed by his Sulpician brethren. Hid
numerous old friends in Baltimore paid him every pos-
sible attention. “ My sojourn at Baltimore,” he says,
“ very agreeable to nature under every point of view,
becomes painful on account of the dissipation itittf
which it draws me, in spite of myself. From morning
till evening, my room is filled with persons who C6nh4
to see me : some to hear me speak on the condition of
Religion in the place of my new abode ; and others, —
theseiorming the greater number, — -to ask information

Baltimore, September 16, 1812, M. Tessier, in the name of the
Archbishop, had informed Bishop Flaget that the Council had been
postponed indefinitely ; but the prelate had already Btarted for BaJr
timore before the letter reached him. The Bishop wrote from Bal-
timore to Father David, that hopes were entertained of the Council
being convened during the Lent of 1813.

* Journal — Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

113

concerning Father David. The most painful thing for
me is my being almost compelled to take my meals out
of the seminary ; and this unfortunately happens but
too frequently.”*

On the 22d of April, 1813, he set out on his return
to Kentucky, and passed some days very pleasantly at
Baftmittsburgh. Here he was joined by Father Badin.
Accompanied by him and his brother, Vincent Badin,
and by some others, he continued his journey west-
ward.

They stopped for four days with a Mr. Arnold, ten
miles from Cumberland ; where, at the request of
Archbishop Carroll, he administered confirmation, —
sixty persons approaching the holy communion. He
gave confirmation also at Brownsville. This seems to
have been the first episcopal visit ever made to these
two places.

At Brownsville, the party embarked, with their
horses, in u a family boat,” and they arrived safely at.
Limestone; whence they continued their journey, by
the way of Lexington and Frankfort, to St. Thomas’.

The remainder of the year 1813, and the first months
of 1814, were passed by the Bishop in the visitation of
his Diocese, and in the performance of arduous mis-
sionary duties. In the midst of his multiplied jour-
neys and labors, the holy prelate sought daily to keep
himself more and more closely united with God in
prayer. He often exclaimed with the Psalmist :
44 Turn away my eyes, that they may not see vanity.”t

* Journal, November 18, 1812.

f Journal, April 29, 1814.

8

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114

8 KETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

44 We should constantly purity our intentions, and oc-
cupy our minds with holy things: visits are always
dangerous for an ecclesiastic.”*

He experienced no little difficulty, in inducing the
congregations which he visited to acquiesce in any
fixed plan for securing a regular support to their pas-
tors. At St. Charles and St. Rose, for instance, there
were a few who opposed the assessment, which he had
established. Vested in his episcopal insignia , he ad-
dressed the refractory in the strongest terms, from the
altar ; threatening that, in case they persisted in their
refusal, he would no longer consider them as belonging
to the Church. Exhibiting habitually a mildness and
sweetness of character, which won all hearts, he could
still be severe, whenever a sense of duty compelled him
to act with vigor.

He ardently desired to rear up missionaries suited to
the times, and filled with the apostolic spirit. 44 O,
what a happiness for me,” he exclaimed, 44 if I could

form a generation of holy missionaries ! But in this,
O my God, may Thy holy will be done, and not
mine ! ”j*

Returning from his missions, his heart overflowed
with holy joy, when he found himself in the midst of
his dear seminarians at St. Thomas’. We find the fol-
lowing entry on the subject in his Journal :J 44 Recre-
ation with the seminarians ; — 1 love to be in the midst
of them. I reproach myself with not being sufficient-
ly grave in their company.”

* Journal, January, 1814.
f Journal, April 9, 1814.
t May 13, 1814.

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP FLAGET.

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CHAPTER VI.

JOURNEY TO VINCENNES AND ST. LOUIS — MISSIONARY DUTIK8.

1814 — 1816.

Petition from Catholics of Vincennes — Governor Harrison — Spir-
itual destitution — Religious history of Vincennes from 1795 to
1814 — M. Rivet — Indian missions — The praying chief— M. Oli-
vier — Early history of Kaskaskias and other French settle-
ments — Succession of priests therein — Bishop Flaget visits Vin-
cennes — Cahokias — St. Louis — Florissant — St. Charles — Kaskas-
kias — St. Genevieve — And Prairie du Rocher — Sets out on his
return — Again in Vincennes — Painful rumor and ludicrous inci-
dent — Returns to Kentucky — Severe missionary labors — M. Nor-
inckx departs for Europe — An inward voice — Discussion with
preacher Tapscott — Two tributes to Archbishop Carroll.

Bisiiop Flaget, having now visited the greater por-
tion of the Catholic congregations of Kentucky, had
leisure to turn his attention to more distant missions
placed under his jurisdiction. Already, in 1812, the
Catholics of Vincennes had sent him an earnest peti-
tion to have a resident pastor. In this document, they
freely admitted that they had been heretofore very re-
miss in their duties as Catholics, but promised amend-
ment in the future. General Harrison, then Governor
of the North Western Territory, and residing at Vin-
cennes, had united also in the petition, promising
every aid in his power to promote the interests of the
mission.

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116 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

The Bishop was much moved by this exposition of
their wants by his old parishioners; who appear to
have had no resident priest since the death of his own
immediate successor in the pastorship, M. Rivet, which
had occurred in February, 1804. But, in his sad
paucity of missionaries, he was not able immediately
to provide for the necessities of this congregation;
which continued, for some time longer, to be only occa-
sionally visited by the French clergyman stationed in
Illinois.

To understand more clearly the state of spiritual
destitution to which the old parish of Vincennes was
now reduced, it will be necessary to go back a little,
and trace its religious history in some detail, from the
time M. Flaget left it in 1795, to that of his return on
his visitation as Bishop in 1814; — two years after the
reception of the petition just mentioned.* As on this
occasion, he continued his journey through Illinois and
Upper Louisiana (Missouri), and visited all the Catho-
lic settlements lying on both sides of the Mississippi,
it may not be inappropriate to glance also at the early
history of these Catholic colonies, before we proceed to
describe the first episcopal visitation with which they
were ever favored.

The impression which M. Flaget had made on the
minds and hearts of the Catholics at Vincennes, while
there as a simple missionary, was deep and lasting.
i4 He had stripped himself of all the linen he had
brought with him to Vincennes, in favor of the sick
and indigent. The tender care with which he visited

* We have already spoken of the history of Vincennes before
1792.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

117

the sick will never be forgotten ; and the impression it
made upon the population will last as long as there
shall be an old man left, to relate to his children’s chil-
dren the history of old times.”*

His immediate successor in the mission was Mr
Rivet, a most zealous and laborious missionary, who
left behind him at Vincennes memories scarcely less
favorable than M. Flaget himself. This good man de-
voted his time, in a special manner, to the instruction
and conversion of the various Indian tribes roaming
over the plains watered by the Wabash. This he, in
fact, viewed as the chief object of his mission to Indi-
ana. In the Registers, he styles himself, “ Missionary
appointed for the savages, exercising the ministry, for
the moment , in the parish of St. Francis Xavier.”
God rewarded his zeal with abundant fruits. The
Registers show the baptism and marriage of many
Indians of different tribes, during his residence in
Vincennes. The greatest number was of Potowatta-
mies; but there were also many from the tribes of
Miamis, Shawnees, Charaguis, Piamkeshaws, Weas or
Ouias , Sioux, and Kaskaskias. The first marriage he
* records was that of a Potowattamie to a Shawnee.
Some of these Indian converts were most exemplary.
He mentions with special praise an old chief, called
Louis in baptism, but better known as u the old pray-
ing man, or chief.”f He died on White river, during

* From a letter of Rev. E. Audran, of St. Francis Xavier’s
Cathedral, Vincennes. Wo are indebted to this worthy ecclesiastic
for the details which follow, derived by him chiefly from the Regis-
ters of the church,
f “ Le vieux priant.”

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118 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the winter encampment . with his tribe. His death was
most edifying. It occurred but a few days after his
return from Vincennes; whither he had gone, as was
his custom, to receive the sacraments of penance and
the holy Eucharist at Christmas.

* Before M. Rivet’s time, though some of the Indians
had been converted to the faith, no general impression
seems to have been made on their hearts. The Jesuit
missionaries were withdrawn, ere they had been able
$o effect much general good among savages, who,
from their accounts, seemed but little disposed to em-
brace the Gospel. M. Gibault had too much to do to
devote any considerable time to their conversion; and
the same may be said of M. Flaget, whose stay in Vin-
cennes was besides too brief to permit his laboring
with much general success among these poor children
of the wilderness. Yet, as we have already seen, the
latter baptized many, especially during the prevalence
of the small-pox.

The state of continual agitation in which the coun-
try around that military post was involved, during the
war of our revolution, was little favorable to the con-
version of the Indian tribes, who were themselves en-*
. gaged in the contest. We are sorry also to add, that
after the occupation of Vincennes by the Americans,
the state of mutual amity which had hitherto happily
existed between the inhabitants and the neighboring
tribes, was often interrupted. Murders became not
unfrequent, and they were followed by swift revenge*
which but increased the feud. The final result was, as
we all know, that the Indians were driven from the
graves of their ancestors, into the remote recesses of
the Western wilderness.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAQET,

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In 1793 — December 18— M. Rivet, for the first time,
signs himself Vicar General of Bishop Carroll. There
were about that time many Irish Catholic soldiers at
Fort Knox, situated on the Wabash, three miles above
Vincennes. M. Rivet baptized their children; and a
mortality breaking out in the garrison, he buried sev-
eral of the soldiers, — bearing honorable testimony in
the Registers to their faith and piety. On the records,
we find the name of Hon. William Clark, a good Cath-
olic, one of the judges of the supreme court in the ter-
ritory of Indiana.

M. Rivet had long been dying by inches of the con-
sumption. Yet he remitted not his arduous labors.
He remained at his post, faithful to the last. His last
official act was the record of a baptism, January 31,
1804. Knowing that his time was short, he wrote to
the Rev. Donatian Olivier, then residing at Prairie du
Rocker among the French Catholics on the Missis-
sippi, begging him to come and give him the last
sacraments. But he died three days before the arrival
of this good clergyman. He was not, however, unpre-
pared. Finding that his death was near at hand, he
wrote out his confession, sealed it, and directed it to be
given to M. Olivier on his arrival. Thus died, in odor
of sanctity, the good, modest, zealous M. Rivet.

After his death, the Catholics of Vincennes were
visited from time to time by M. Olivier; and once or
twice by missionaries from Kentucky. In the begin-
ning of November, 1804, M. Olivier came and spent a
month in the place, diligently attending to ministerial
duties. In the following year — 1805 — he remained
there during the two first weeks of July. On the 14th
of April, 1806, MM. Badin and Nerinckx, from Ken-

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120 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

tucky, visited Vincennes, and remained until the 27th;
baptizing many children, and assisting at several mar-
riages, besides administering the other sacraments, as
usual. In the same year, M. Olivier came again,
November 13, and remained till the 1st of December.

Nearly eighteen months now elapsed before the next
visit of M. Olivier, which occurred on the 1st of May,
1808; — he remained three weeks. On the 26th of
September, of the same year, Father Urban Guillet, a
Trappist, passed through the place, stopping there but
one day.

During this interval, a layman — Zepherin Chesnet —
gave private baptism, assisted at burials, &c. Novem-
ber 25, 1809, M. Olivier visited the town again, and
remained a month. On leaving, he forbade Chesnet
to do any thing of a sacred character in the congrega-
tion ; having learned that his conduct had not been
exemplary.

No records of baptisms or burials are therefore to be
found, till the return of the missionary, November 20,
1810; when he was accompanied by M. Badin, Vicar
General in Kentucky. They were both busily en-
gaged in ministerial duties, and in revalidating mar-
riages, which had been contracted before the civil
magistrate. M. Olivier, on one day, renovated eight
of such marriages in the church ; having first caused
the parties to prepare themselves for two weeks, during
which time the bans were published.*

M. Olivier’s next visit was in September and Octo-
ber, 1811. Two years now elapsed before he was able

* It seems that the decree of the Council of Trent on marriage
was always considered as having been published at Vincennes.

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CHARACTER 07 BISHOP FLAOET.

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again to come to the place ; — in October and November
1813. Hts last visit to the parish was in May and
June, 1814; when he went thither to meet Bishop
Flaget, and conduct him to the Mississippi.

Considering the circumstances which surrounded the
Catholics of Vincennes, and the small opportunities
they had enjoyed for many years to be grounded in
the knowledge and practice of their holy Religion, it
is not at all wonderful that piety should have declined,
and ignorance of religious duties prevailed, to a great
extent. It is only remarkable, that, amidst so many
disadvantages, faith was generally preserved, and reli-
gious fervor among even a few.

We are now enabled to see how heavy a responsibil-
ity rested on Bishop Flaget, when, after the lapse of
nearly twenty years, he revisited, as Bishop, his old
parishioners of Vincennes; whom he found in a con-
dition scarcely less deplorable than that which caused
him so much concern on his first visit, as a simple mis-
sionary, in 1792.

Post Vincennes, as we have seen, was founded by
the French, as a military station, about or before the
year 1710;* the French settlements on the Mississippi
river were considerably older. Our information in re-
gard to the religious history of these colonies is very

* From what has been said in a previous chapter, (Chapter ii.)
it is certain that there was already a French post established on
the Wabash in the the year 1712; for Father Mermet was sent
thither as a missionary before that year, perhaps during the year
previous. Father Marest's Letter, written November 9, 1712, says
simply, that a post had been established, and Father Mermet had
been sent, &c. In the same Letter we read that Father Mermet
was back again in Illinois in 171L

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122 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

limited ; the zealous missionaries who labored in found-
ing them, and in administering to their spiritual wants,
having been mpch more intent on unremitted efforts to
extend the boundaries of Christian civilization, than
solicitous to make out and leave behind them written
records of their proceedings. The following facts, be-
lieved to be in the main accurate, &re all that we have
been able to glean from the scanty materials to which
we could have access.

The first missionary station established among the
Indians of Illinois was that of St. Loins, on the Illi-
nois river, at or near the site of the present Peoria.
This mission was founded by F. John Deguerre, a
Jesuit from Lake Superior. From this point the zeal-
ous missionary visited several of the Indian tribes in
the interior of the present State of Illinois ; and while
there exercising his apostolic functions, he was killed
by the savages. Several others of the early missiona-
ries likewise fell martyrs to their zeal : Father Gabriel

de la Ribourde, a Franciscan, in 1680 ; F. Maximus Le-
berck, of the same order, in 1687; F. John D. Tetu,
in 1728; and another Franciscan, F. Yercailler, was
drowned in crossing the river in 1760.*

Father Marquette, having discovered the Mississippi
in 1673, was filled with a burning zeal to evangelize
the tribes living along its borders. He was returning
from the North for this purpose, about two years later ;
but he died on his way. The mission was then entrus-
ted to Father Daloes; who shortly afterwards was
called to labor elsewhere. He was succeeded by Father

* Shepherd of the Valley, January 17, 1852. We have omitted
some dates of very doubtful accuracy.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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James Gravier, who may be considered as the founder
of the missions among the Illinois Indians.*

Kaskaskias was founded about the year 1683. Fath-
er James Gravier, a Jesuit, was the principal instru-
ment of Providence for the establishment of a French
colony at this point. He was the first missionary to
the Kaskaskias tribe of Indians, then numbering about
two thousand warriors, He experienced, at first, much
opposition from the u medicine-men,” to whose juggleiy
the Indians clung with great tenacity.

Father Gravier having been compelled to return to
Michilimakinac, the mission was entrusted to FF.
Bineteau and Pinet, with whom F. Gabriel Marest was
afterwards associated. On the death of the first and
the departure of the second of these Fathers, the last
named remained in sole charge of the mission ; until
the arrival of F. Mermet, in 1711.

F. Marest had before been stationed at the mission
of St. Louis, in the great village of the Peourias In-
dians, on the Illinois river; where the French then
had a military post.f Father Gravier returning to this
station from Michilimakinac, received there from the
savages a mortal wound, from which he soon died.
The mission was in consequence for a time suspended.
On the repentance of the Peourias , the missionary
station among them was re-established; and Father De
Ville was sent thither, about the year 1712.

The missionaries were in the habit of accompanying
the Indians on their two annual hunts; the long one
in the winter, and the short one in the summer season.

* Letter of Father Gabriel Marest, November 9, 1712.
t The same mentioned above.

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124 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Father Bineteau died of a fever he had contracted in
following the summer hunt. He expired tranquilly in
the arms of F. Marest.

Twenty-five leagues from Kaskaskias was the great
village of the Tamarouas ; among whom labored
Father Bergier, a priest of the congregation of the
foreign missions. This devoted missionary died here
alone, joyfully embracing the crucifix, — sometime in
1712. Father Marest hastened to his assistance during
his illness ; but arrived only in time to assist at his in-
terment.

There was also a mission called St. Joseph’s, among
the Potowattamies, on the St. Joseph’s river. In 1711,
it was attended by F. Chardon. In that year, F.
Marest went thither, where he met his brother, then
superior of the North-western missions.*

An old log house first served as a chapel in Kaskas-
kias. It was replaced by a stone church in 1714. In
1722, the population of French and mixed blood al-
ready numbered five hundred and eighteen.

A large portion of the tribe was converted to the
faith. The new converts became most exemplary in
their conduct ; and their tender piety consoled the mis-
sionaries for all their previous labors and privations.
They were divided into three classes : the first of which
settled about two miles from Kaskaskias ; the second at
Cahokias ; the third at Prairie du Rocher.

In 1750, the state of the missions in Illinois, both
French and Indian, is given as follows by. Father
Vivier.f In the whole of Illinois and Upper Louisi-

* All these details are taken from the interesting Letter of F.
Gabriel Marest — sup. cit .
f Letter dated “At Illinois, November 17, 1750.”

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CHARACTER OF B1BHOP FLAGET.

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ana (Missouri), there were then five French villages,
containing one hundred and forty families ; and three
Indian villages (Christian), able to muster about three
hundred warriors. These were divided into three sta-
tions, attended by Jesuit missionaries. The first was
composed of about six hundred Illinois, all of them
baptized with the exception of five or six ; and it was
attended by FF. De Guienne and Vivier; the second,
composed of four hundred French and two hundred
and fifty negroes, was served by F. Yatrin; the third,
seventy leagues off, and much smaller, was attended by
F. Meurin.*

The entire Indian missions of the North and West
had been, some years previously, entrusted by the Bishop
of Quebec to the French priests of the foreign mis-
sions. u There are three of these priests here, who
have charge of the two French congregations; nothing
can be more lovely than their character, or more edify-
ing than their conduct. We live with them as if We
were members of the same community.”!

In 1832, the remnant of the Kaskaskias tribe re-
moved to the Indian territory in the far West; where
they had the inexpressible consolation of again finding
their old fathers in God, the Jesuit missionaries.

The succession of priests attending to the mission-
ary stations along the Mississippi, seems never to have
been interrupted for any considerable time ; from the
date of their first establishment down to the present
day. The French settlers and the Indian converts had
always the happiness of kneeling at the altar, on

* This was located probably in the Wabash countary.

t Letter dated “At Illinois, November 17, 1750.”

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126

sketches of the life, thies and

which the holy sacrifice was offered up. The clergy
generally resided at Prairie du Rocher; but occasion-
ally at Kaskaskias, or Cahokias. The following list will
exhibit the succession down to the year 18-7 — so far as
we have been able to ascertain it:

1683 — 1710 — FF. James Gravier, Julian Bineteau and Henry
Pinet; the last named founded the mission of Cahokias.

1710 — FF. Gabriel Marest, Mermet, and De Ville.

1719 — F. John Charles Guimeneau, superior of the mission, and
Vicar General of the Bishop of Quebec, and Rev. Dominic A.
Thaumur de la Source.

1724— -Father A. F. X. De Guienne, superior and Vicar General,
with FF. De Bcaubois, Dumas, Tabarin, and others not known.
1735— F. Boularger, Ac.

1739— Rev. MM. Mercier and Laurent
1741 — F. Truteau, Ac.

1743 — -Rev. Joseph Gagnon, pastor of St Ann's — died here in
1755.

1746 — F. Tartarin, Ac.

1750 — FF. Aloysius Vivier, Gagnon, and Tourre.

1754 — Rev. J. F. Forget

1759 — F. Watrin and two Franciscan Recollects, Hypolyte and
Luke Collet, sent by the Bishop of Quebec; the latter remain*
ed till 1765,

1764 — F. Aubert, Ac.

1768 — F. S. L. Meurin, the last Jesuit missionary in the West
1770 — 1789* — Rev. M. Gibault, Vicar General of the Bishop of
Quebec for Illinois and the neighboring countries ; with him
were associated during a portion of this time, the Rev. MM.
Bernard (1784), Payet (1785), and De St. Pierre, pastor of St
Genevieve.

1789 — M. De la Valiniere, Vicar General, Ac. ; with whom were
associated MM. Lcdru, Gibault, and De St Pierre.

1793 — Rev. M. Lovadoux, Vicar General; he remained but a short
time.

* From Registers of Vincennes — sup . cit.

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CHABAtflEB OF BISHOP FLAOBT.

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1793-8 — Rev. Gabriel Richard and Rev. John Janin.

1799 — 1827 — Very Rev. Donatian Olivier, Vicar General of Bishqp
Carroll.*

Between Kaskaskias and Cahokias there were form-
erly three different parishes: St. Philip’s, St. Ann’s,
and St. Joseph’s. The last named only now remain^,
it being that of Prairie du Rocher; the other churches
seem to have been abandoned about the year 1788, in
consequence of the encroachments of the Mississippi
on the lowlands where they were established. The
Registers of these parishes were kept at the old Fort
Chartres: but they were subsequently removed to

Prairie du Rocher or Kaskaskias.

As a specimen of the details recorded in these old
Registers, we subjoin an extract from that of Prairie du
Rocher ;

44 On the 24th of July, in the year 1768, I, the un-
dersigned priest of the Society of Jesus, Vicar General
of the Bishop of Quebec, having foreseen the approach-
ing ruin of the church of St. Ann, near Fort Chartres,
by reason of the encroachment of the Mississippi, gave
orders to have the remains of the Rev. Joseph Gagnon,
formerly pastor of Fort Chartres and the environs,
taken from said church and transferred to that of St.
Joseph, at Prairie du Rocher. The remains of Joseph
Gagnon were buried near the sanctuary on the Gospel
side; and those of Father Collet near the sanctuary on

* This list has been carefully compiled from various sources: the
Letters of the Jesuit missionaries often quoted above ; the records
of the church of Vincennes; and lists published in the “Shepherd
of the Valley,” (January and February, 1852,) purporting to be
taken from the Registers of Kaskaskias, Prairie du Rocher, and
Cahokiaa.

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128

( UtHfHiing OF the UFE, TIMES AND

the Epistle side. The ceremonies of the Church were
previously performed, at which the inhabitants assis-
ted, with feelings of reverence and grateful recollec-
tion of these good and zealous missionaries.

“ In testimony whereof, I have subscribed this wri-
ting, with MM. Babheau and Lecompte.

“S. L. MEURIN, Vic. Gen”*

The Rev. Donatian Olivier, the last named on the
above list, was one among the most pious, zealous and
efficient priests who ever labored in the missions of the
Mississippi valley. He was universally esteemed and
beloved ; by the French Catholics, he was reverenced
as a saint. His name is still held in benediction
among them. He was for many years Vicar General
of the Bishop of Baltimore, for all the missions ex-
tending over the present States of Indiana and Illinois.
He usually resided, it appears, at Prairie du Rocher ;
but he visited Kaskaskias, Cahokias, Vincennes, and
the other Catholic settlements. He was admirable for
his child-like simplicity and unaffected piety, which
traits he continued to exhibit, in the midst of his apos-
tolic labors, till old age compelled him to abandon the
field, and seek solace and prepare for death in retire-
ment. He died on the 29th of January, 1841, at the
seminary of the Barrens, in Missouri, at the advanced
age of ninety-five years.f

Father Meurin was the last Jesuit missionary who
attended the Catholic settlements on the borders of the

* Shepherd of the Valley, February 21, 1852. These learned
articles were written by M. E. Saulnier, an old and zealous mis-
sionary, now residing at the cathedral of St. Louis.

f See his obituary in the “Catholic Advocate,” vol. 6, p. 23.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAOET.

129

Mississippi. About the year 1708, the Fathers of the
society were withdrawn from the Western missions;
and on the suspension of the order a few years later,—
in 1773, — these splendid missionary establishments,
which they had founded in the North and North-west
among the various Indian tribes, began sensibly to lan-
guish. This was partly in consequence of the occur-
rence just mentioned, and partly because the British
government, into whose hands the dominion of the
Canadas had passed, viewed all Catholic missionaries
with distrust. As the Jesuits successively withdrew
from the different missionary stations, their places were
supplied by other clergymen sent by the Bishop of
Quebec; until the consecration of Bishop Carroll, in
1790. Then the latter was compelled, so far as he was
able, to supply with priests those missions which lay
within the limits of the United States.

With this rather long historical introduction, we
will now proceed to give a summary account of the
visit which Bishop Flaget paid to Vincennes, St. Louis,
and the missions above mentioned, in the year 1814.
Though his jurisdiction did not extend beyond the
Mississippi river, yet at the request of Dr. Dubourg,
administrator of the Diocese of New Orleans, he will-
ingly assumed for a time the charge of all the missions
lying in what was then called Upper Louisiana, — at
present, the State of Missouri.

He was accompanied as far as Louisville by the Rev.
MM. Badin and Chabrat; of whom he took leave on
the 25th of May, to perform alone on horseback the
journey to Vincennes. On the first night, he was
obliged “ to sleep with an American borderer.” On
9

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SKETCHES OK THE LIFE, TIMES AMD

the second, be sought repose on “a quilt, extended
over a plank which was very uneven and knotty ; he,
however, slept soundly.”

On the third day, the 28th, he reached Vincennes;
End great was the joy of his old flock on seeing again
their beloved pastor, who had been away from then*
for nearly twenty years. A large company came out
to meet him v on horseback, headed, by the Rev. M-
Olivier ; and he was conducted into the town with
great pomp. The good prelate was much move 1 ; he*
remarked that “ faith still existed in their hearts ; a
xealous priest would make saints of them-”*

On the 30th of May, the Bishop visited the ceme? {
tery, attended by a great concourse of people who
crowded around to enjoy the satisfaction of looking oq
the face of their first pastor. The Libera was sung
over the grave of Rev. M. Rivet. On the 6ame day he
solemnly blessed a company of Rangers, who we?e set-
ting out for the seat of war. They dismounted, and
all together bent one knee to the earth, while, with
uplifted, hand, he invoked the blessing of God o n
them; exhorting them not to forget the God of bat^
ties, while fighting bravely under the banner of theijr
country.

He remained for two weeks at Vincennes, which
time he employed in the instruction of the children,
in the duties of the confessional, and in the arranger
ment of temporal business, connected with the estate
of M, Rivet, and with the general administration of
church afiajm He found the congregation in a state
ef great spiritual destitution ; ip many, faith waf

* Journal, May 28, 1814.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 131

almost extinct; general ignorance of their Religion
prevailed to an alarming degree, both among children
and parents. Yet he yielded not to discouragement.

Assisted by M. Olivier, he devoted several days to-
the preparation of the candidates for confirmation*
whose proficiency even surpassed his expectations. On
June 5th, he administered this sacrament to eighty**
six persons. He preached in English, as well as in
French; to the great satisfaction of the Americans.
He had the gratification “to hear the confessions of
some sinners who had grown old in their iniquities.”*
In his sermons, he inveighed strongly against exist-
ing abuses ; particularly marriages out of the Church,
and balls with dancing, which, it seems, were there
carried to great excess. His discourses seem to have-
made a great impression on the people. He visited
many of the French families: “I know,” he writes*

“that these poor people are very solicitous for such
visits ; but I know not whether they derive much profit
from them.”f

On the 14th of June, accompanied by M. Olivier, he
started for the Mississippi. They were escorted by the
company of French Rangers, to whom he was very
fateful for their kind attentions. They soon entered 1 '
on the vast prairies of Illinois, in which the Rangers*
amused themselves in hunting deer and wild turkeys ;
but without success. “These vast plains,” the Bishop 1
writes, “seem- destined by the Creator for the rearing
of millions of sheep.’*!

* Journal, June 5, 1814.
t Ibid , June 6.
t Ibid.

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132 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

On the 18th, they arrived at Cahokias, whore they
found the priest — M. Savine — u holding the handle of
a skillet to make an omelette.”* Bishop Flaget had
not taken off his boots for four days ! This congrega-
tion was free from debt, with a surplus fund of $200;
every thing was in good order; and he heard many
confessions, some of them of very old sinners. On the
26th, he confirmed one hundred and eighteen persons.

The good people of Cahokias conducted him in pro-
cession to the banks of the Mississippi, which he
crossed in a canoe, with no companion but the oars-
man. He entered St. Louis on the 30th, but without
any public reception ; — a circumstance remarked on as
very unusual among those French settlements. He
visited this city and the Catholic missions West of the
Mississippi river, as was said above, at the special re-
quest of M. Dubourg; who held jurisdiction over Upper
Louisiana, and had written to him on the subject.

Religion seems to have been in a worse condition at
St. Louis than it was even at Vincennes. The 4th of
July; which the Bishop spent here, was a day of great
sadness for him; on account of the general religious
apathy which prevailed. The rich, the fathers, the
mothers, and the children over fifteen years, stayed
away from the confessional; and he could make no
impression whatever on their callous hearts.f He ad-
ministered confirmation, — he does not state to how
many; — and was attended in the ceremonies of the
visitation by the Rev. M. Savine, and “the Father

* Journal, June 18, 1814.
t Ibid. Almost his own words.

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OHABACTEB OF BISHOP FLAGET.

133

Prior,”* — the latter a Trappist, who remained in Amer-
ica after his brethren had returned to Europe.

The ladies of St. Louis presented to him a fine cross
and mitre. Greatly annoyed at the constant distrac-
tions occasioned by continual visits, he exclaimed:
44 My God ! how happy were the ancient solitaries ! ”f
Here he learned the intelligence of the downfall of
Napoleon ; and so great was his joy on the occasion,
that he resolved to have a solemn Te Deum sung on
his return to Kentucky, in case the news should be
confirmed.

On the 8th of July, he departed for Florissant. The
entire population of this village turned out with joy to
welcome him. Two banners were borne by groups of
boys and girls ; and the procession, headed by chanters,
conducted him solemnly into the church. This cere-
mony over, the people crowded around him in the
house, eager to receive his benediction. Among them
was one man 107 years old, and another 108. The
latter was brought by his sons in a chair, and the ven-
erable man expressed his lively regret, that he was not
able to kneel down to receive the episcopal blessing.
The Bishop’s heart was much affected at the firm faith
of these good people, who seem to have been 44 true
Israelites in whom there was no guile.” He here re-
ceived the confessions of some who had kept away from
the sacraments for thirty-seven years !

On the 11th, he left Florissant and crossed the Mis-

* Father Marie Joseph Dunand, who attended the missions West
of the Mississippi river. For some years previous to 1812, the
Trappists exercised the ministry on both sides of the Mississippi.

f Journal, July 6.

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134 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, THftS8 AND

souri river, sitting in an arm-chair placed in a canoe
decorated with flowers. On the other side he visited a
^congregation,* which he found divided into two hostile
parties. He preached to them an earnest sermon on
union and charity; and confirmed one hundred and
three persons. He went to see two aged ladies ; one
of whom was 103, and the other was 115 years old.
The climate seems to have been at that time favorable
( to longevity.

He arrived at St. Charles on the 18th ; and on the
21st went to Portage aux Sioux. Here he confirmed
fifty -four persons on the 28th ; after which he returned
to St. Charles.

This congregation he also found in a sad state ; “it
had been at war with its pastor for two years.”f He
here confirmed sixty-seven, on the 31st of July. He
labored with great zeal to restore peace to this commu-
nity ; and his efforts were crowned with consoling suc-
cess. All murmurs ceased, and the people expressed a
willingness not only to support their pastor, but also to
build for him a suitable residence.

On the 3d of August, the Bishop returned to St.
Louis. He says : “ This congregation is in a state of

extreme indifferentism ; my sojourn here will be almost
useless. ’’I Several young men presented themselves
for confession, in order to be re-married in presence of

* The name of this congregation is not given in the Journal ;
perhaps it was that of Dardennes.

t Journal, July 31. The pastor of this place, and of the neigh-
boring missions, was the Trappist Prior, above mentioned, who
seems to have had very little tact in managing congregations.

X Journal, August 3.

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CHARACTER OF MSHOP FLAGET.

13(5

the pastor; their sentiments of contrition did not ap-
pear to be very striking.* He here confirmed seventy-
two persons, and preached to the Americans in English.
These were so much pleased with his sermon, that they
Sent a deputation to express their satisfaction.

Governor Clark, f the former associate of Lewis in
the discovery of the Columbia river, paid him every
possible attention. He invited the Bishop to his house,
and prevailed on him to baptize three of his children,
Us well as an orphan girl residing in his family. The
Bishop stood God-father, and Mrs. Hunt God-mother
xtf the children.

f We take occasion from the Bishop’s visit to St. Louis,
to furnish a few facts regarding the early history of
this now important city ; which became an episcopal
see in 1827, and an archbishopric in 1847.

St. Louis was founded in February, 1764. The site
was selected by Laclede, in the preceding December:
he previously visited St. Genevieve. After the cession
of Upper and Lower Louisiana by France to Spain in
1763, St. Louis and the other settlements West of the
Mississippi were placed under the spiritual jurisdiction
of the Bishop (or Archbishop) of Havana ; J until the

* Journal, August 7. Mais ou est la contrition de leur fautest

f He was Governor of the Missouri Territory; and was a rela-
tive — we have been told a brother — of General George Rogers
Clark; with whom the Bishop had become acquainted, on his jour-
ney to Vincennes in 1792, and who had on that occasion shown
him so much polite attention.

t We have been unable to ascertain at what precise date the
Bishop of Havana became an Archbishop. His title, as given in
the Registers of St. Louis at an early date, is Bishop of St. Jago ,
Cuba.

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SKETCHES OF T UBS LIFE, TIMES AND

erection of the see of New Orleans, in 1793. These
missions appear to have been attended, for a time, by
the French clergymen stationed on the Illinois side of
the river; who were under the jurisdiction of the
Bishop of Quebec, until the establishment of the see
of Baltimore, in 1790. With the sanction of the ordi-
nary in Havana, or through an express provision made
by the Holy See, the Bishops of Quebec and Balti-
more, through their local Vicars General, held respec-
tively jurisdiction over the Catholics living in Upper
Louisiana, until the year above named.

The following list will exhibit the succession of cler-
gymen, who held pastoral charge of St. Louis, from its
first foundation down to a recent date :

1766-9— Rev. S. L. Meurin, S. J.

1770-2 — M. Gibault, pastor of Kaskaskias.

1772 — From February to May — F. Meurin again.

1772-5 — F. Valentin, 0. S. F., the first resident pastor of St. Louis.

1775 — In October — F. Meurin came a third time to the town.

1776 — F. Hilary, 0. S. F., second resident pastor.

1776 — 1789 — F. Bernard, 0. S. F., third resident pastor.

1789 — 1793 — Rev. M. Ledru, fourth pastor.

1793-9 — F. B. Didier, fifth pastor.

1800-4 — Rev. M. Janin, sixth pastor.

1804-6 — Rev. MM. Donatian Olivier, of Prairie du Rocher, and J.
Maxwell, of St. Genevieve, came occasionally to exercise min-
isterial functions in the town.

1806-8 — Rev. Thomas Flynn.

1808-11 — The Trappist Fathers, Urban Guillet, F. M. Bernard,
and Marie Joseph Dunand, visited successively the parish.
1811-17— Rev. F. Savine.

1817 — Rev. MM. Joseph Rosati, and Henry Pratte.

1818 — Rev. Felix De Andreis.

1818— 1825— Rev. F. Niex.

1825 — 1831 — Rev. Edmond Saulnier, rector.

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CHARACTER OF HtfpOF PLACET. 187

1832 — 1844 — Roy. Joseph A. Lutz.*

The parish of St. Charles, which, as we have seen,
was also visited by our prelate, was of a more recent
date ; having been established in 1792. Its first pastor
was the Rev. M. Lusson; who was succeeded by the
Rev. MM. Acquaroni, B. Richard, M. Joseph Dunand,
and K Charles Yanquickenborne, S. J.f It is at pres-
ent attended by the Jesuits.

On the 14th of August, the Bishop left St. Louis and
crossed the river to Illinois. On the opposite shore, there
was assembled a large escort of carriages and horsemen,
who conducted him processionally to Cahokias. Here,
on the 21st, he confirmed fifty-eight persons. On the
23d, he departed for Prairie du Rocher, where he again
met M. Olivier, and confirmed sixty-five persons on the
1st day of September.

His incessant labors and constant exposure to the
hot sun had thrown him into a fever, under the effects
of which he suffered for several weeks. Yet he would
not discontinue his apostolic exertions. Though he
he was still very, feeble from the effects of the malady
obstinately clinging to him, and in no condition to
continue his visitation, nevertheless he started for Kas-
kaskias on the 14th of September.

“ The church was superb for the country ; its length
eighty feet, its width forty feet; with a handsome
steeple and a fine bell. The evening was spent in
blessing the good people.”J On the 18th, he confirm^

* For these details we are indebted to the Rev. Edmond Saul-
nier, at present Chancellor of the Archdiocese of St. Louis.

f Idem .

J Journal, September 14.

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l'$8 8KETOHB8 OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

ed seventy, and on the 20th, forty persons, in this con-
gregation. The American inhabitants seemed pleased
with his sickness, which gave them a hope that he
would be compelled to remain with them some time
longer; but they were disappointed.* 1

On the 21st, he went to St. Genevieve, where he was
received with the usual honors. He preached strongly
against the violation of the laws of abstinence; and
against balls, — “to the great astonishment of the dan-
cers. He administered confirmation, at three differ-
ent times, to three hundred and sixty -one persons.

October 5th — 19th, he visited an American Catholic
settlement at some distance, where forty-five were con-
firmed.

On his return to St. Genevieve, he preached to the
negroes, of whom there were about five hundred in the
town and vicinity. Finding that marriage was not
common amongst these poor people, he threatened their
masters with privation of the sacraments, unless they
afforded their servants every facility to enter lawfully
into this holy contract. The people of St. Genevieve
presented him with a new suit, and 850 in money.

On the 27th of October, he retraced his steps, and
rejoined M. Olivier at Prairie du Rocher. Here he
Was delighted to enjoy a few days of “charming soli-
tude after so much distr action.

November 3d, he returned to Kaskaskias; whence,
after confirming thirty-six persons, he took his depar-
ture for home, on the 8th, by the way of Vincennes.

* Journal, September 18.

t Journal — Ibid.

\ Journal, October 28.

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GHASACTKR OF BlSHOP PtAGET.

139

He wlas escorted by sixten creoles on horsfcbadk. they
safely reached Vincennes on the 12th of November.

A 8 the war was then raging with England, a rumofr
that the Bishop had been captured by a hostile band of
Indians had been circulated, and had occasioned great
uneasiness in Kentucky, sometime during his absence.
Father David had caused a novena to be said by the
seminarians for his safety. That he was exposed to
danger, there is no doubt ; but Providence watched
over his life.

The following rather ludicrous incident, which oc-
curred when the escort were near Vincennes, may have
given occasion to the report. We will let the Bishop
relate it in his own playful manner, in a letter written
from Vincennes to Father David :

u A young man of Post Vincennes, who was in oU*
company, returning home, separated about mid-day
from our troupe with two others, without -doubt, in
order to be the first in arriving (at Vincennes). They
were two or three miles in advance; and we did not
expect to meet them again till night. What was oiir
surprise at seeing them soon return, * # calling out
loudly, that they had fallen in with Indians! We had
onrselves heard several shots, but we had thought that
they proceeded from these young men, amusing them-
selves while awaiting our arrival. Their report, which
was uniform, the paleness of their countenances, the
shots we had heard, and which were certainly fired by
persons strangers to our band ; above all, imagination
bo easily excited in times of danger, left ho doubt what-
ever concerning the truth of their statement. On the
spot, our troops prepared themselves with the greatest

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140 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

resolution for an attack. The young men counted so

strongly on their gallantry, that they did not even re-
connoitre the force of the enemy ; but with one accord
they prepared their arms, deployed into the prairie,
and advanced in a trot towards the wood, where they
supposed the savages were lying concealed. ‘My
Grandeur’ received the order to remain in the rear: —
‘It is for your sake,’ said the Captain, ‘that we have
come ; and it is for you that we are going to meet the
enemy, to make for you a rampart with our arms and
with our bodies.’

“ The sensations which I then experienced were very
different from what such circumstances would seem
well calculated to call forth. My heart was perfectly
tranquil, my imagination calm, and what is very sin-
gular, I felt a great desire to be in the midst of this
little warlike band, to follow their movements and
those of the enemy ; — to stimulate the courage of the
former, and to stay the impetuosity of the latter. Re-
flecting, however, on my state of life and my character,
I believed it was a duty to remain at a distance, and to
raise my hands to heaven, like Moses, in prayer for the
combatants.

“ I was still near my gallant knights,* when a de-
tachment of the enemy’s cavalry appeared in sight
through the woods. Fancy augmented their number;
and it was supposed that a still greater multitude lay
concealed in different parts of the wood, in ambush, to
cut off all means of escape. Soon the war-cry resound-
ed from the ranks of the enemy ; and their troop of
horse, which we had seen, charged at full gallop on

* Preux chevaliers .

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OHABACTEB OF BISHOP FLAGBT.

141

our batallion, who prepared themselves for the shock
with great bravery and resolution.

44 What a moment ! Dear brother in Christ, does not
your heart beat at this recital ? Do you not imagine,
that you already see the muskets of these savages poin-
ted at my heart, or their cruel tomahawk uplifted over
my head, to slay and scalp me ? Take courage ; — this
whole army of savages was composed of five or six
young men of the Post, who had come out to throw
themselves at my feet, to ask my blessing, and then
unite with my numerous escort, to render my entrance
into the town more brilliant and triumphant.!

44 In effect, we arrived two hours later, in the midst
of the acclamations of all the inhabitants, who had
been called together by the ringing of the bells ! ”

In a Letter to his brother in Prance, written soon
after his return from this long journey, the Bishop
speaks of his 44 episcopal campaign” in the following
terms:

44 During the episcopal campaign which I have just
terminated, I was obliged to travel three hundred
leagues (nine hundred miles), to visit ten or twelve
thousand Catholics,* most of them French, scattered
along the borders of the Mississippi and Missouri.
We were sometimes four days at a time traversing im-
mense prairies, exposed to legions of flies and musqui-
tos, who covered both travelers and horses with blood.
It is in such journeys as these that I forget all troubles
of spirit, and give myself up to my natural gaiety, in
order to amuse my companions of travel ; and it is here
that my health is strengthened.

* This number seems to us a little exaggerated.

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SKETCHES OF Tg$ LIKE, TD1E0 AND

m

“I was received by these French people as an angel
descended from heaven ; they rendered to my character
all due honor. I never went from one village to an-
other, without being escorted by fifteen or twenty per-
sons, among the most respectable in the country. The
churches were always full, when I announced the word
of God; and I preached every day at least once or
twice ; on Sundays as far as four times. The confes-
sional was crowded ; I remained therein until far into
the night; and very often from three o’clock in the
morning, persons were waiting for me at the door of
my chamber. God has given a special benediction to
my words; many conversions have taken place; and
Religion, which I thought almost banished from these
remote countries, seems to have regained its empire in
a manner truly admirable.”*

The Bishop remained at Vincennes upwards of two
weeks, during which he twice administered confirma-
tion, to forty persons in all. The total number con-
firmed on this missionary tour was one thousand two
hundred and seventy-five. The Bishop estimated that
there were one hundred and thirty Catholic families at
Vincennes, and one hundred and twenty in Illinois.
He had intended to visit Frairie du Chien and Green
Bay, in the North-west; but the continuance of the
war compelled him to defer the visitation of these re-
mote missions ; which could not then be reached with-
out imminent danger.

lie left Vincennes November 28th, and arrived in
Louisville on the 3d of December. Here he found M.
Chabrat, who had been awaiting his return for ten

* Letter, February 3, 1815. French Life — pp. 59, 60.

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$gAB4PTER QF mftO*

days. He spenjt, some time a$ the seminary of
Thomas, to recruit his strength and to attend, to a laxge,
amount of business which had accumulated during hip*
long absence. He then visited several of the congre-
gations; among them, those of St. Stephen and St,
Charles.

In his Report to his Holiness, above quoted,. oocuirSi
the following passage : >

“ Often if has happened that in consequence of sick-
ness or of a voyage beyond the seas, some of my priest^
were obliged to suspend, or to abandon altogether, the,
administration of their congregations, sqmetimes sepa-
rated from one, another by distances of more than a,
hundred miles. Then it was the Bishop who bad tu
provide for them in person: and God only knows hoWi
much, this increase in labor,, in travel, and in fatigue,
put to the proof both my strength and my courage*” *<,
An occasion, of this kind occurred in 1815, soon after,
his return. Early in the spring of this year, the Rev.
M. Nerinckx took his departure for Europe; and be.
was absent from Kentucky for more than two years.f
The Bishop was much perplexed and distressed in
mind at the departure of so efficient a missionary, who
had already at his earnest request, delayed the journey
for three years. While pouring forth his sorrows in
prayer on this occasion, he thought he heard a voice
sounding forth from the inmost recesses of his soul, —

* Report to Pops Gregory XVI., drawn up, at Rome in 1836.

f He returned September 4, 1817, bringing with him the clock*
now in the old Cathedral at Bardstown, and the two paintings of
St. Bernard and the Crucifixion.

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1 4A SKETCHES OE THE LIFE, TIMES AND

“ Let Me govern thy Diocese ! ” * He suddenly be-
came calm, and committed all to the Providence of
God.

He now engaged with much cheerfulness in all the
laborious details of missionary duty, attending many of
the congregations of M. Nerinckx. He was pastor of
St. Charles, of Holy Mary, and of St. Bernard, in
Casey county ; besides attending as chaplain to the in-
fant convent of Loretto. He was absent almost every
Sunday, and returned to his home at the seminary only
once in about three weeks.

In the year 1*16, while discharging these functions
of an ordinary missionary, he was drawn into a contro-
versy with a preacher named Tapscott, who had boldly
and coarsely asserted “ that the Catholics sprang from
hell, and into hell they must fall!” Though much
averse to controversy, the Bishop believed that the in-
terests of truth required him to accept the challenge of
the preacher, who had considerable influence with his
sect. They accordingly met at the house of Elias
Newton, in the present Taylor county. The concourse
was so great, that the orators were compelled to speak
in the open air. The Bishop opened the discussion in
a discourse of much simplicity and power, on the civil
and religious principles of Catholics, in answer to the
charges of his opponent. At the close, he offered to
answer any objections which might be presented.
Though it was Tapscott ’s turn now to rejoin, he avail-
ed himself of this invitation, and demanded that the
Bishop should first unfold the doctrine of the Church

* Journal, 1815.

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CHARACTER OF HISHOP PLACET.

145

on the power of the keys, and on the Real Presence ; —
after which he would offer his remarks.

For the sake of peace, the Bishop complied with this
unreasonable demand ; and explained “ those two ques-
tions to the best of his power, 5 ’ — the people listening
with breathless attention.

Tapscott attempted to answer, by accusing the Bishop
of misquoting the scripture; a charge which was
promptly refuted by reference, on the spot, to the
sacred volume. The preacher then, getting into a bad
humor, boidly accused the sainted prelate of having
told a falsehood, in stating that he (Tapscott) had been
the first to challenge to the discussion; but the audi-
ence, almost entirely Protestant, sustained the Bishop
in his contrary statement, which was generally known
to be well founded.

To extricate himself from his unenviable position,
Tapscott next called on the Bishop to prove that the
Catholic was the oldest Church. The prelate answer-
ed, that as he had been speaking already for several
hours, and his opponent had been comparatively silent,
it was now clearly within his province to ask the
preacher some questions. But Tapscott would not
hear of this proposal, and indignantly withdrew, leav-
ing his adversary master of the field.

Hereupon the Bishop closed the discussion with an
exhortation to peace and charity, which was rendered
more touching by offering his hand to the preacher;
who, however, met his advance with an ungracious re-
fusal. The conduct of the latter filled the audience
with indignation ; while the bearing of the Bishop won
10

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146 8KETOHR8 OF THE tIF% TIMES AND

all hearts. The incident made a deep impression on
many Protestants, some of whom became converts,.

Returning to his chamber, the Bishop poured forth
his soul in thanksgiving to God for the words which
he had put into his mouth; and he exclaimed: “How
happy shall I be, O Lord, if I cause Thee to be known
and loved by all those unfortunate sectaries, who are
generally such, only because they had the misfortune
to be born in heresy ! ” *

We will close this chapter with the tribute paid to
the memory of the illustrious Patriarch of the Ameri-
can Church by two prelates who knew him long and
intimately, and who were fully competent to pronounce
on his merits. Archbishop Carroll died, in odor of
sanctity, on the feast of St. Francis Xavier, December
3, 1815. On hearing of his death, Bishop Flaget has
this entry in his Journal:

“ This holy man has run a glorious career ; he was
gifted with a wisdom and prudence which made eveiy
one esteem and love him. He had the consolation to
consecrate three Bishops ; f to see the Jesuits well es-
tablished ; to behold many monasteries and houses of
education founded : — great motives these for inspiring
consolation and confidence at the hour of death.” X

In a Letter to our prelate, written from Europe early
in 1816, Bishop Dubourg thus refers to the death of the
Archbishop :

“ The sad intelligence of the irreparable loss sustain-
ed by our poor churches in the death of their venerable

* This account is condensed from the Bishop’s Journal, 1816.

f We believe four — Bishops Cheverus, Egan, Fl&get, aft d Neal.

X Journal, 1815.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGETT.

147

Founder and onr worthy and excellent Father, has
reached us here in less than sixty days. What univer-
sal grief this death must have occasioned ! He has
certainly finished a beautiful and glorious career; and
we should rejoice for his sake that God has called him
to the recompense of his long labors. But for our
sakes, and that of our dear churches, he should have
been immortal! Ilappy, ‘however, are we in our mis-
fortune, that his see is filled by a worthy successor, the
heir of his zeal and of his virtues.” *

* This Letter, without date or n^me of place, was written shortly
after the prelate left Home, from some city in France, probably Bor-
deaux.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

CHAPTER VII.

DIOCESE OF NEW OBLEAN8 — BISHOP FLAGET’s TWO JO0BNETB
TO ST. EOUI8.

1817 — 1818 .

Barly missionaries in the Soutfy — De Soto's expedition— The battle
of Mavilla — The “dry Mass" — France and Spain — Founding of
New Orleans — One of the first martyrs — Jesuit missions among
the Yazoos , Arkansas, Alibamom, and Choctaws — The Post of
Arkansas — Massacre by the Natchez — Death of missionaries —
Thrilling adventures and narrow escape — The fate of the Nat-
chez — Ursuline nuns in New Orleans — Orphans — Hospital — In-
dian chief’s opinion of the nuns — Results of the missions — See
of New Orleans — Its first Bishop — The second Bishop — History
of the see — M. Dubourg appointed administrator — Religious Sta-
tistics of Louisiana — Proposed new see at St. Louis, and trans-
lation of Bishop Flaget — How the plan was delayed — Bishop
Flaget's second journey to St. Louis — Preparing the way — Suo-
' cess — Liberal donation — A curious scene — Disagreeable travel —
A danseuse — Arrival of Bishop Dubourg — Joyful meeting — The
steamboat Piqua — A Noah's ark — Solemn installation of Bishop
Dubourg — Return to Kentucky.

We will devote the present chapter to a summary
sketch of two other journeys which Bishop Flaget
made to St. Louis, in the fall of 1817, and in the win-
ter of 1817-18. They were connected with the ap-
pointment of Bishop Dubourg to the ancient see of
New Orleans ; and we cannot more appropriately in-

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troduce our account of these journeys, than by pre-
senting, from the materials within our reach, a few
prominent facts regarding the earliest Catholic mission-
aries in the South, and the subsequent establishment
and history of the see of New Orleans.

The first Catholic priests who visited the portion of
North America lying North of the Gulf of Mexico,
were the Dominican missionaries who accompanied De
Soto in his adventurous expedition through Florida
and a part of our Southern States, — sometime before
the middle of the sixteenth century. The French and
Spanish expeditions of discovery and conquest were in-
variably attended by Catholic missionaries, whose office
it was to soften the horrors of war, and to extend the
boundaries of Christianity, by converting the savages.

The enterprise of De Soto, though conducted with
great courage and skill, proved disastrous. The mis-
sionaries appear to have made but few converts. Iii
the battle of Mavilla, fought October 18, 1540, they lost^; '
their sacred vestments, as well as the bread and wine *•$.
they had prepared for offering up the holy sacrifice.

u In this engagement,” says Irving, “ the Spaniards
lost all their baggage and private effects. What gave
them the greatest concern, however, was the loss of a
little portion of wine and wlieaten flour, which they
had carefully treasured up for the performance of
Mass. All the sacerdotal dresses, also the chalices
and other articles of worship were destroyed ; but the
loss of the wh eaten flour was irreparable. Consultations
were held between the ecclesiastics and the laymen,
whether bread made of maize might not be adopted in
case of extremity; but it was decided that the use of

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150 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

any thing but wheat was contrary to the canons of the
Church. From thenceforward, therefore, on Sundays
and saints’-days, they prepared an altar, and the priest
officiated, arrayed in robes of dressed deer skin, fash-
ioned in imitation of his sacerdotal dresses ; and they
performed all the parts of the ceremony, except the
consecration of bread and wine. This constituted what
fhe Spaniards called a 4 dry Mass.’ ”*

De Soto penetrated to the Mississippi, which he
crossed near the 35th degree of north latitude, — not
far from the Southern boundary of Tennessee. He
ascended the river as far as the present town of New
Madrid. The object dearest to his heart, and one
which he earnestly recommended to his followers with
his last breath, was the conversion of the savages. He
died on the Mississippi, on the 21st of May, 1542.

France and Spain were engaged in a lengthy contest
for the possession of Louisiana and the Southern por-
tion of what is now the United States. The discovery
of the Mississippi, by the French Jesuit, Father Mar-
quette, in 1673; the exploring of it to its mouth, and
the subsequent disastrous expedition, by the adventur-
ous, but unfortunate La Salle; the establishment of
French colonies in Louisiana, in the beginning of the
eighteenth century; the final settlement of the ques-
tion between those two great Catholic powers of
Europe ; and the acquisition of Louisiana by the Uni-
ted States in 1803; — are all topics familiar to those
of our readers who are conversant with our different
American histories. Full details on them do not pro-
perly lie within our present province. We must con-

* Conquest of Florida — p. 282.

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tent ourselves with furnishing a few prominent facts in

the religious history of this portion of our country ;
dwelling specially upon the early missions among the
various Indian tribes of the South and South-west.

The Jesuit Fathers took a conspicuous part in these
missionary enterprises, of which New Orleans was for
a long time the centre and the head -quarters. Here
resided the Superior General of the missions ; and
from this point, the Fathers were sent out to preach to
the various tribes living near the borders of the Missis-
sippi, and to some even who were roaming far in the
interior. New Orleans was founded in 1718, and became
the seat of government in 1721 ; there were then not
more than five hundred persons in the whole colony.

We are not acquainted with the precise year in
which those Indian missions first commenced, but they
began soon after the establishment of the French set-
tlements. We read that, at an early period of the
French colony, probaby during the first years of the
eighteenth century, M. De St. Gome , a missionary,
suffered martyrdom, while zealodsly laboring among
the Sitimachas , a fierce tribe living on the river Man-
chat (or Manchac), below Baton Rouge.*

Early in 1727, tiie ship Gironde was daily expected to
arrive at New Orleans from France; having on board
Fathers Tartarin and Doutreleau, with a colony of Ur-
suline nuns.f

Ou the 25th of May, 1727, Father Du Poisson de-
parted from New Orleans in a small boat, to ascend the

* Father Du Poisson's Letter, quoted infra, lie suffered, we
believe, in 1717.

f Ibid,

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Mississippi as far as the mouth of the Arkansas. He
was accompanied by FF. Souel and Dumas. He was
destined to labor for the conversion of the Arkansas*
tribe of Indians, living within the limits of the present
State of Arkansas. Father Souel was going to live
among the Yazoos,f lower down on the Mississippi,
near the mouth of the river Yazoo; Father Dumas was
to ascend the river as far as the settlements of Illinois.
Father De Beaubois was then Superior General of the
missions in New Orleans.^

The traveling missionaries suffered much from the
excessive heat, the inconvenience of their small and
crowded boats, the overflow of the Mississippi, and the
myriads of mosquitoes, which gave them no rest day
or night, and which F. Du Poisson thought must have
been a continuation of the Egyptian plagues, — to try
the patience of Christians. On the 4th of June, they
arrived at Baton Rouge; § and on the 13th at Natchez.
The French colony || here was at this early date in a
flourishing condition ; but was soon, alas ! to meet an
awful fate! M. Philibert, a Capuchin friar, was then
curate of Natchez.

F. Souel stopped at the mouth of the Yazoo, where
he was cordially welcomed by the savages. The two
other missionaries readied the mouth of the Arkansas

* Written by him Akensas.

f Written Yatous by F. Du Poisson — but Yasous by F. Le Petit.
J A few days later Father De Guienne was sent to the Alibamons ,
and Father Le Petit to the Chasses Indians. Ibid.

\ Or Red Stick — so called from a tree painted red, marking the
boundary between two neighboring tribes. Ibid .

|| The place was originally called Fort Rosalie.

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on the 7th of July. F. Dumas continuing the next
day his journey to the Illinois, F. Du Poisson proceed-
ed alone to the villages of the Arkansas, which lay

scattered along the Arkansas, some miles above the
mouth of White river.

There was here a French Post recently established.
F. Du Poisson was well received by the Arkansas tribe.
On his arrival, they asked, “How many moons the
Black Chief would remain with them?” When the
interpreter answered, u Always; ” the immediate reply
was: u You are deceiving me.” But on being assured
that such was the truth, and “that they should always
have him with them to teach them to know the Great
Spirit, as had been done among the Illinois:” the In-
dian chief exclaimed : “ My heart laughs when you tell
me this.”*

* Letter of F. Du Poisson, written “ At Akensas” October 3,
1727 — among the Lettres Edifiantes; and translated in “Early
Jesuit Missions in North America, ” — p. 232, seqq.

“The Post of Arkansas is a very old station. In Charlevoix’s
history of New France (Canada), and the Lettres Edifiaidex et
Cnrieuses of the early missionaries, it is stated, that these were in
the habit of ascending the river from Natchez, then called Rosalie,
in order to preach the Gospel to the Arks, Kansas, Arkansas as
the Indians on the banks of the Arkansas river were indifferently
called. From a personal examination of the Registers and other
ancient documents, I have come to the conclusion, that the Post of
Arkansas spoken of in these early times, was somewhere lower
down on the river than the Post of Arkansas of the present day.
The old Post had a fort, with something like fortifications; and in
the fort was a chapel: but of all this nothing now remains but a
small eminence on which are found the remains of former founda-
tions. The place appears to have been washed away by the river.
The Registers anterior to 17G4 are no longer extant. In 17G4, on
the 11th and 12th of March, Father S. L. Meurin, S. J., is record-

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, F. Da Poisson labored among the Arkansas Indians
for two years ; during which time he does not appear
to have made any general impression on that tribe,
whose language it was difficult to learn, and whose de-
basement was very great. However, he baptized many
who were in danger of death, and received several into
the Church.

Before the mission had been fully established, he
was cut off by a bloody death. He fell among the two
hundred French victims who were suddenly massacred
by the Natchez Indians, on the 28th of November,
1729. He was, at the time, on a visit to the Natchez
colony, to procure some favor or assistance for his be-
loved Akensas; and as the curate, M. Philibert, was
absent on a visit to New Orleans, he said Mass there in

ed to have baptized nine persons; Don John Baptist do Montclair-
vaux being at that time Governor of the Post of Arkansas. Sub-
sequently to the date just named, the following names occur in the
Registers:

“1772 — Father Valentin, 0. S. F.

“1786 — Father L. Guignes. Don Joseph de la Valiere was at
this time Governor.

“1792- -Rev. M. Gibault, who, on the 6th of September, 1793,
received into the Church James Darst and Anne Sheffer, his wife,
together with their six children. Don Ignatius de Ling was Gov-
ernor of the Post in this year.

“1794 — Father Flavius, 0. S. F., was appointed pastor of the
Post of Arkansas by the Very Rev. Patrick Walsh, V. G. of the
Diocese of New Orleans.

“1796 — Rev. M. Janin. On the 18th of February, 1798, the
Register records the marriage (by Rev. M. Janin, pastor,) of Bap-
tist Degle and Susan Bole: the publication of the bans having been
regularly dispensed with by the Right Rev. the Bishop of New Or*
leans, on the request of the Governor, Don Charles de VillemonL ,,
of ih$ Valley, Match , 1852.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT. 100

his place, on the first Sunday of Advent, November
27th, the day before the massacre.

Just as he was preparing to offer up the holy sacri-
fice on the next morning, with a view to carry the
Blessed Sacrament to some sick persons, a gigantic
chief seized him, and having felled him to the ground,
qnt off his head with repeated blows of the tomahawk*

The massacre was general and simultaneous, a few
only of the French making their escape in the woods.
Only two Frenchmen were spared, a tailor and a car*
penter. Such of the women and children as escaped
death were reduced to slavery.

This dreadful massacre is ascribed by some to the
natural cruelty and treachery of the Natchez; by others
to the injustice done to the tribe by the French coia*
mander. It was soon followed by that of the French
in the Post near the mouth of the Yazoo. Father
Souel, the Indian missionary stationed here, fell the first
victim, pierced by many balls. This occurred Decem-
ber 12, 1729.

Another Jesuit Father, passing casually at the time,
made a very narrow escape. F. Doutreleau, descend-
ing the Mississippi from Illinois, stopped at the mouth
of the Yazoo on the 1st of January, 1730, to pay a visit
to his brother missionary, of whose death he could not
be apprised. The Indians feigned friendship; and he
began to say Mass. The French voyageura , his com*
panions of travel, were kneeling reverently nfcar the
rude altar erected in the woods; the Indians stood
quietly in the back-ground. At the Kyrie Eleiaon , a
number of muskets were fired ; the priest was wounded
in the arm, and one of the voyageura fell dead at his

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156 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

side. The rest fled to the boat; bnt the Father, think-
ing his hour had come, knelt down to receive his death
blow. What was his surprise, however, on finding,
that though many muskets were aimed at him, from so
near that the muzzles of the guns seemed almost to
touch his body, he received no additional w r ound! In-
stinctively rising, he darted towards the river, clad in
his priestly garments, pursued bv the infuriate savages.
He soon gained the boat; but, on turning to look after
his pursuers, received a discharge of small shot in the
mouth ; some of the shot being flattened against his
teeth! The wound was not dangerous, however; and
after almost incredible dangers and hardships, the
party arrive # d safely at New Orleans, to recount their
adventures and hair-breadth escapes.

Resting for some months to have his wound healed,
during which time he acted as chaplain to the French
expedition against the Natchez, the intrepid missionary
again set out for Illinois, on the 16 th of the ensuing
April.*

The whole French population of Louisiana was filled
with indignation and terror at the news of the fatal
tragedy enacted at Natchez. A terrible retribution
was about to fall on the blood-stained savages, w r ho
had thus imbrued their hands in French blood. Driv-
en from their lands into the Western wilds, they were
at length forced to surrender at discretion in their last
strong-hold on Red river. Those who survived were
either reduced to servitude on the plantations, or had

* Letter of Father Le Petit, dated New Orleans, July 12th, 1730.

Ibd.

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CH AR ACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT. 157

to fly to other tribes for shelter. As a tribe, the Nat-
chez ceased to exist.

At the time of which we* are speaking, there was
already in New Orleans a community of seven Ursu-
lines, who devoted themselves to works of education
and charity. They had charge of a school, a hospital,
and an orphan asylum. The number of orphans under
their care was greatly increased by the massacre at
Natchez. The French expedition rescued many father-
less children from slavery, and brought them to New
Orleans.

“The little girls, whom none of the inhabitants
wished to adopt, have greatly enlarged the interesting
company of orphans whom the nuns are bringing up.
The great number of these children only serves to in-
crease their charity and attentions. They have formed
them into a separate class, and have appointed two
special matrons for their care.

u There is not one of this holy sisterhood but is de-
lighted at having crossed the ocean ; nor do they seek
here any other happiness than that of preserving these
children in their mnocency, and giving a polished and
Christian education to these young French, who are in
danger of being almost as degraded as the slaves. We
may hope, with regard to these holy women, that be-
fore the end of the year. they will occupy the new man-
sion which is destined for them, and which they have
for so long a time desired.

‘•When they shall once be settled there, to the in-
struction of the boarders, the orphans, the girls who
live without, and the negro women, they will add also
the care of the sick in the hospital , and a house of

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMS* AND

refuge for women of questionable character. * * # So
many works of charity would, in France, be sufficient
to occupy many associations and different institutions.
But what cannot great zeal effect? These different
labors do not at all startle seven Ursulines, and by the
grace of God they are able to sustain them, without
infringing at all on the observance of their religious
rules.” *

There came at this time to New Orleans a deputa-
tion from the Illinois tribe, to condole with their
French friends, and to offer assistance against the
Natchez and Yazoos. When their chief first saw these
nuns, following a troop of orphan girls through the
streets, he remarked to them: “You are like the Black
Robes, our fathers ; you labor for others. Ah ! if we
had above there two or three of your number, our
wives and daughters would have more wit, and would
be better Christians.” f

At the time of the massacre, F. Baudouin was labor-
ing zealously among the Choctaws ; J and F. De Guy-
enne, among the Indian tribes still farther in the
interior, on the coniines of the Carolinas. Both these
missionaries were now placed in a situation of immi-
nent danger. The Choctaws, though allies of the
French against the Natchez, were still feared as treach-
erous and cruel; while F. De Guyenne had been al-
ready so often insulted and threatened, that it was
feared he would u be obliged to confine his zeal to the

* Letter of F. Le Petit, sup. cii 1730.

t Ibid.

X Written Tchactas .

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French fort of the Alibamone,* or to seek a more
abundant harvest on the banks of the Mississippi.” f

These fears were not groundless. Twenty years
later, most of the Indian missions in the South were
abandoned, at least temporarily, in consequence of dif-
ficulties deemed insurmountable. In 1750, F. Bau-
douin was residing at New Orleans, as superior general
of the Indian missions. For eighteen years he had
been living among the Choctaws, but had been lately
recalled in consequence of troubles excited ‘ among
them “by the English.” But these difficulties having
now apparently ceased, the superior thought of sending
another missionary to that tribe.J

Father Moran had been for many years engaged on
the mission among the Aiibamons ; but finding it im-
possible any longer to exercise the ministry with fruit
or in safety, he had likewise been recalled to New Or-
leans, to take charge of the Ursuline convent, and of
the lioyal Hospital. The English are constantly repre-
sented as being a great hindrance to the success of the
Indian missions. Besides other obstacles which they
threw in the way of the missionaries, “ they were al-
ways ready to excite controversy ” among the Indians.^

The French settlement on the Arkansas river had
been attacked and dispersed by the “irreconcilable
enemies of the French,” — the Chickasaws,|| in May,

* Probably the Alabamans .
t Ibid.

X Letter of F. Vivier, dated “At Illinois, November 17, 1750.”
I Ibid.

U Written by the French Jesuits, Chimchats.

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160 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

1748 ; and no missionary could any longer remain with
the unfortunate tribe of the Arkensas.*

The suppression of the Jesuits, some years later, com-
pleted the destruction of missions which they had
spared neither labor nor blood to establish and consoli-
date. Though their success seems not to have been so
striking nor so brilliant in the South, as that of their
brethren had been in the North, yet they no doubt
effected much good, and sent many fervent neophytes
to heaven, who else had remained “in the region of
the shadow of death,” and been lost forever.

By a secret article in the treaty of Fontainbleau, in
17(5:4, f France transferred Louisiana to the King of
Spain; who retained the dominion of the province
until it was restored to the French republic in the year
1800. In 1803, Mr. Jefferson purchased Louisiana
from the French, for fifteen millions of dollars.

During the continuance of the Spanish dominion,
the missions were attended by French and Spanish
clergymen, who were under the jurisdiction of the
Archbishop of Havana. A considerable number of
Spaniards now mingled with the original French colo-
nists in Louisiana, and particularly at New Orleans.

If we consider the vicissitudes which mark the his-
tory of the French and Spanish colonies of Louisiana,
we shall not be surprised to find that the interests of
Religion suffered greatly ; both from the want of the
requisite number of suitable clergymen, and from that
of a proper organization and an efficient church govern-

* Letter of F. Yivier, sup. cit.

t These secret articles were signed in November, 1762; the trea-
ty was publicly ratified early in the following year, at Paris.

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161

ment. The need of a Bishop on the spot to watch over
so extensive a territory, was long and painfully felt.

At length, in the year 1793, New Orleans was erec-
ted into an episcopal see by the Sovereign Pontiff.
The first Bishop was a distinguished Spaniard, — Don
Luis Penalver y Cardenas; “a man of great talents,
zeal, and piety, whose administration was marked by
an uncommon degree of wisdom, and by a strict attach-
ment to the discipline of the Church.”* The Bulls, an
authenticated copy of which is preserved in the archie-
piscopal archives of New Orleans, bear date, April 25,
1793. They stipulate, that the new Bishop shall receive
from the royal treasury of Spain the annual sum of
four thousand dollars, for his suitable support.-)- Two
canons were to be attached to the cathedral, who were
each to receive, from the same source, the sum of six
hundred dollars annually.

Bishop Penalver y Cardenas took formal possession
of his see only in the year 1795. He immediately be-
gan the visitation of his Diocese, which he prosecuted
with vigor and zeal. He required all priests who had
charge of congregations to send him annual reports of
the condition, both temporal and spiritual, of their re-
spective parishes or districts. He continued to exact
this during the six years of his vigilant admininistra-
tion. He labored earnestly to eradicate abuses, and to
promote piety.

* Letter of the Most Rev. Dr. Blanc, Archbishop of New Or-
leans ; to whom we are indebted for the interesting details which
follow, up to the appointment of M. Dubourg as administrator.

f Pro mensa episcopali .

11

t

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In 1801, this excellent prelate was transferred to the
metropolitan see of Guatemala, in Central America.
One of the canons having already died, the adminis-
tration of the Diocese devolved, for a time, on the sur-
viving one, — the Rev. Thomas Hasset; who himself
died about the year 1804.

Soon after the resignation of the first Bishop of New
Orleans, a second was appointed, and consecrated at
Rome in 1802. He never, however, reached his see;
having died in the eternal city on the eve of his con-
templated departure. We are not even acquainted
with his name; but it is known that he was a Francis-
can, of the convent of the Holy Apostles * at Rome.
When Bishop Fortier was there in 1829, he saw, among
the portraits of the deceased members of the convent,
that of the second Bishop of New Orleans; whose
memory was revered by his brethren. From this fact
it would appear, that Dr. Dubourg was really only the
third Bishop of that city.

During the vacancy of the see, considerable confu-
sion existed in the administration, owing chiefly to a
conflict in regard to jurisdiction among different claim-
ants to the office of Vicar General. In 1805, after the
death of canon Hasset, there existed, for a time, a de-
plorable schism, which manifested itself chiefly in
New Orleans. Strong remonstrances on this sad state
of things having been addressed to the Holy See,
Archbishop Carroll was canonically charged with the
administration of the vacant Diocese,* until a perma-
nent provision could be made. One reason for this
wise appointment, was founded on the fact, that Lou-

* Dei Santi Apostoli .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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isiana had already been purchased by the United States
government.

On assuming the administration, Archbishop Carroll
constituted M. Olivier, then chaplain of the Ursuline
convent, his Vicar General with ample jurisdiction.
This distinguished ecclesiastic was a brother of the
Rev. Donatian Olivier, the venerable missionary of
Illinois. Under his wise and prudent administration,
the existing difficulties were settled. In 1808, har-
mony again reigned in the capital of the South. He
died about the year 1810; and was succeeded, it is
believed, by the Rev. M. Sibourd, who governed as
Vicar General until the appointment of Dr. Dubourg,
in 1812.

Archbishop Carroll had long and anxiously thought
of providing a suitable Bishop for the vacant see, the
administration of which weighed heavily on him, in
consequence of its importance and remote position.
He had successively proposed for this office the Rev.
MM. David and Nerinckx; but these learned and
pious priests had both, from delicacy of conscience,
firmly refused the proffered honor. The negotiations
with the Holy See consumed several years, during
which Religion suffered greatly at New Orleans.*

At length, in 1812, the Rev. William Dubourg was
named the third Bishop of New Orleans ; and he was

* Our only authority for stating that the office was tendered to
Father David, is an expression of Bishop Flaget in one of his Let-
tors to France, to the effect, that Father David had refused two
bishoprics in our principal cities. It is believed that he meant the
sees of Philadelphia and New Orleans. It is certain that the ap-
pointment was offered to M. Nerinckx; whose services Bishop
Dubourg subsequently sought to secure for his Diocese.

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SKETCHES 0# THE LIFE, TIMES AND

induced to accept the appointment. By an apostolic
Brief, he had been previously selected, as administra-
tor of this Diocese. The Bulls, however, were delay-
ed. M. Marechal, then in France, had written that he
expected to be the. bearer of them to the Bishop elect;
but he returned to Baltimore without the documents.
Pope Pius VII., lingering in prison, and worn down
by the intrigues and harrassing vexations of his impe-
rial gaoler, firmly declined issuing any more Bulls,
until he could be permitted to advise freely with his
natural counsellors * — the Cardinals.

In this situation of affairs, Archbishop Carroll strong-
ly urged M. Dubourg to accept at once the administra-
torship, and to lose no time in repairing to New
Orleans. The eminent ecclesiastic yielded to the ad-
vice of his superior, and started for the theatre of his
labors in the fall of 1812.f

M. Dubourg remained at New Orleans, as adminis-
trator, for about two years and a half. During this
period, he had a full opportunity to know and feel the
heavy responsibility and cruel embarrassments of the
post he had accepted. In December, 1814, he wrote
to Bishop Flaget a long Letter, in which he painted, in
rather dark colors, the condition and prospects of Cath-
olicity in Louisiana.

He estimated the total number of Catholics at about
sixty thousand, of whom the great majority were only
nominally such. He was, however, consoled by the
fervent piety of not a few, especially among the weak-

* Conseilleurs nes.

f All these particulars are gathered from a Letter of M. Dubourg
to Bishop Flaget, dated Baltimore, August 11, 1812.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

165

er sex. Four of his clergy had died in the two years

which had elapsed since his arrival;* and only twelve
remained,! of whom two were over sixty, and three
over seventy years of age.

He proposed to visit Europe the ensuing spring, in
order to prevail upon the Holy Father to release him
from a burden scarcely any longer bearable ; or if this
should not be possible, to recruit for the Diocese a new
body of fervent priests, whose zeal might renovate the
piety of the faithful. He writes: “You wish then to
go to Rome, — you will tell me: — Yes! Monseigneur :
were it necessary, I would go to China, either to be re-
lieved of this terrible burden, or to seek necessary aid
to enable me to bear it properly.”

He signified also, in this same letter, his intention to
propose to the Holy See the “dismemberment” of
Upper Louisiana from the see of New Orleans, and the
placing of that territory under the jurisdiction of
Bishop Flaget. The latter endorses on the back of the
Letter, that he considers this plan very feasible and
proper. J

In th • spring of 1815, he sailed for Europe, as he
had proposed ; and, after spending some time in France,
he visited Rome. In an interview with the Sovereign
Pontiff, he exposed to his view the condition of sad
spiritual destitution in which Louisiana was placed;
and he forcibly presented his numerous reasons for de-
clining the appointment to the see of New Orleans.

But his Holiness, moved by the long vacancy of the

* Nos pretres meurent com me munches.

t II mien reste dome , tant bons , ind iff events, que mauvais.

\ Cela me paroit ires a propos.

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166 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

see and the pressing wants of the Catholics of Louisi-
ana, insisted on his acceptance; and he was according-
ly consecrated at Rome, September 28, 1815.

The new Bishop now proposed to the Holy See, that
Upper Louisiana should be detached from his Diocese ;
that Bishop Flaget should be transferred to St. Louis,
as its first Bishop ; and that Dr. Gallitzin should take
his place _ as Bishop of Bardstown. His proposition
was favorably entertained, though nothing was decided
on. Cardinal Litta, Prefect of the Propaganda, wrote
on the subject to Archbishop Carroll, asking his coun-
sel. His Letter was dated December 23d, 1815; —
twenty days after the death of the Archbishop. In it
the Cardinal says :

“But as in Upper Louisiana, the Right Rev. Dr.
Flaget, Bishop of Bardstown, is in great fame of sanc-
tity, and as he is most suited for the conversion of the
savages who live in the middle of the province of Lou-
isiana, it has seemed very expedient to the Right Rev.
Dr. Dubourg, that he should be transferred to a new
see to be erected therein.” *

M. Brute was probably acquainted with the contents
of this Letter ; for he wrote to Bishop Flaget, commu-
nicating its substance. A Letter from Bishop Dubourg
to the same prelate added, that, according to the plan,

* “Cum autem in Alta Aurelia (Louisiana) magna sit fama
sanctitatis Revmi D. Flaget, Bardensis Episcopi, idemque aptissi-
mus sit ad sylvestrium conversionem, qui in media Neo-Aurelice
provincia versantur, hinc valde expedire videtur Revmo D. Du-
bourg, ut Bardensis Episcopus ad novam erigcndam sedem trans-
feratur.”

We are indebted for this extract to Archbishop Kenrick, of Bal-
timore.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

167

the new see of St. Louis was to remain under the im-
mediate jurisdiction of the Holy See; as it was in
contemplation to erect a new archbishopric in the
West, to which St. Louis would be attached; — a stri-
king instance this of the wisdom and far-seeing sagaci-
ty of Rome.*

Bishop Flaget does not appear to have been, at first,
averse to the change, concerning which he had already
corresponded with M. Dubourg, before the departure of
the latter for Rome.

He had in fact, it would appear, himself first sug-
gested the' idea to M. Dubourg. In a Letter of the
latter to him from New Orleans, dated April 25, 1815,
he says :

u In your Letter from St. Louis, you return to your
idea of fixing your see there, provided a suitable sub-
ject (Bishop) can be found for Kentucky. You propose
a Dominican for Kentucky.” And again: “I will not
fail to present to the Holy See both the pastor and the
flock of Kentucky ; and I will also submit your plan
for the erection of a bishopric in Upper Louisiana.
From what you tell me, I would be tempted to believe,
that a Frenchman would suit best for the new see, and
an American for Kentucky ; and that you would not
be displeased at the change. You should express your-
self frankly with me, — I will keep your secret. * * *
Nor do I clearly understand what you mean about the
location of your see: — it would seem that Bardstown
does not appear to you to be a suitable place (for an
episcopal see.) ”

* There was to be established “ une nouveUe metropolealaqueUe il
(St. Louis) doit etre uni . — Letter written from Europe in 1816,
mp. cit.

¥

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168 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

In a letter to one M. Gratiot, of St. Louis, written
H^rly in 1815, Bishop Flaget expressed himself as
pleased with his contemplated translation to that city.
Subsequently, however, he had some misgivings; and
we find several entries in his Journal, betraying unea-
siness and solicitude on the subject; — which he never-
theless left, as he did every thing else, to the all-wise
dispositions of Providence. It was only on the 8th of
August, 1816,* that he received definite intelligence,
that he was not to be transferred to St. Louis.

The whole plan was frustrated, chiefly in conse-
quence of the bad spirit manifested by a party in New
Orleans. This clamorous faction loudly protested
against the appointment of Bishop Dubourg ; and they
even subsequently sent emissaries to St. Louis, to stir
up the minds of the people against him; — in which
they were, at first, but too successful.

Under these unpleasant circumstances, Bishop Du-
bourg did not wish to reside in New Orleans ; and he
had no alternative, but to locate himself, at least tem-
porarily at St. Louis. f

The second journey of Bishop Flaget to St. Louis
was occasioned by a Letter from Dr. Dubourg, who re-
quested him to go thither, and “ prepare the way ” for
his entrance therein as Bishop.

This “ preparation of the way,” was to consist: — 1st.
In raising, among the Catholics resident there and in

* Journal — Ibid.

f Correspondence between Bishops Flaget and Dubourg, passim;
particularly the Letter above quoted. The troubles in New Or-
leans were settled only in the winter of 1818-19, principally
through the agency of Rev. M. Martial,

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. Wd

the vicinity, the sum of $3,000, to defray the traveling
expenses of Bishop Dubourg and his suite from Eu-
rope ; 2dly. In obtaining, if possible, a donation of land
suitable for the erection of a cathedral and episcopal
mansion ; and 3dly. In providing suitable salaries for
his missionaries. How very difficult all these objects
were of attainment, Bishop Flaget had abundant rea-
eon to know; yet he promptly decided to make the
attempt, to oblige his venerable friend, and to serve the
good cause.

Bishop Dubourg had remained two years in Europe,
in order to raise funds and to recruit missionaries far
his Diocese. Having arranged his affairs, he had late-
ly returned to America, with thirty persons in his
suite , mostly ecclesiastics. A colony consisting of
MM. De Andreis, Rosati, Gonzales, and others, had
been sent on previously, and had reached St. Thomas’
seminary, November 22, 1816. The Bishop and M.
David cheerfully extended to these devoted ecclesias-
tics the offices of hospitality, notwithstanding the&r
straitened means and want of room. The missionaries
remained in the seminary for about a year, studying
English, and exercising the holy ministry.*

Bishop Flaget started for St. Louis October 1, 1817,
accompanied by MM. De Andreis and Rosati, and the
lay toother Blanca, with a Mr. Tucker as guide,; and
the party performed the entire journey on horseback.
They took the route of Elizabethtown, Owensborough,

* A portion of Bishop Dubourg’s ecclesiastics remained longer,
leaving only in September, 1818. These were mostly the clergy-
men who came later with the Bishop himself. The above .dates
are taken chiefly from Bishop Flaget’ s Journal,

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170

SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

and Morganfield; and crossed the Ohio at Shawnee-
town. At Kaskaskias, they met M. Olivier, who in-
formed them of the evil disposition already manifested
by the Catholics of St. Louis and vicinity. The first
overtures, which the Bishop made on the subject at St.
Genevieve, were received with much coldness and in-
difference.

Proceeding by the way of Prairie du Rocher, they
arrived at St. Louis on the 17th, and put up at the
pastoral residence, which they found in a sadly dilapi-
dated condition. Their accommodations were no bet-
ter. Rev. M. Pratte, then pastor of St. Louis, had
kindly sent the Bishop a bed ; the others had to sleep
on buffalo robes spread on the floor. The prospects
were certainly gloomy.*

In a Letter written at this time, the Bishop thus
speaks of his reception and success :

“I went to St. Louis to make the necessary prepara-
tions for the reception of Bishop Du bourg. But how
much was I astonished to find that they (the people)
did not 6eem more concerned about his arrival, than
about that of the emperor of China I Moreover, in
what a state was the presbytery! No doors, no win-
dows, no floor, no furniture; the church still- worse;
the people filled with prejudices against their Bishop,
whom they had never seen. But at last I succeeded in
reconciling them to the new arrangement : they seem-
ed to rejoice at the thought of having a Bishop : they
began to fit up the presbytery,” &c.f

A subscription was now commenced, which succeed-

* Journal — Ibid.

t Letter to Father David from St. Louis.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

171

ed far beyond the anticipations of the Bishop. * A Mr.

O'Connor gave the munificent sum of one thousand
dollars ; and his example had its influence on the rest
of the population. The Bishop was waited on by
many; among others, by Colonel Benton.*

Having fulfilled his mission, he hastened back, by
the same route, accompanied by M. Rosati; — M. De
Andreis having remained as pastor at St. Genevieve.
His journey homeward was one of the most disagreea-
ble which even he had ever performed. The weather
was very bad, the swamps were filled with water, and
the rivers so swollen, that they could not be crossed
without great danger. The company he met in the
taverns was also far from being polished, or even ordi-
narily polite.

At one place in Illinois, he found the room crowded
with wagoners, who did nothing but utter continually
the most horrible oaths and blasphemies. Fortunately,
a negro man came in, who began playing on the violin,
left-handed, while a negresse danced ! The backwoods-
men stopped their swearing, in their admiration of the
remarkable fiddler and the novel danseuse. Even the
Bishop could not refrain from laughing at the grotesque
scene, while he blessed God for having thus put an end
to blasphemies so revolting; and though he heartily
disliked dancing on all occasions, yet he now willingly
tolerated it, as the less of two evils.

He arrived at St. Thomas’ on the 6th of November,
much fatigued with his journey. He found every
thing alive here with preparations for the reception of
Bishop Dubourg, whose speedy arrival was expected.

* Journal — Ibid,

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172 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Bishop Dubourg had sailed from Bordeaux on the
1st of July, 1817 ; and he had landed at Annapolis on
the 4th of September. His suite consisted of five
priests — of whom the present Archbishop of New Or-
leans was one, — and twenty -six young men, some of
whom were candidates for the ministry, and others
w T ere destined to become lay brothers to assist the mis-
sionaries in temporal affairs. Several of these youths
were from Belgium; and among them was the V. Rev.
D. A. Deparcq, of our Diocese. A portion of the com-
pany started directly for Baltimore with Bishop Du-
bourg; the rest, with the Rev. M. Blanc at their head,
remained at Annapolis, where they were entertained
with princely hospitality in the mansion of Charles
Carroll of Carrollton, until the end of October.

Preparations were in the meantime made for cross-
ing the mountains. The stage then ran westward only
once a week ; and no less than three w T eeks were con-
sumed in transporting the missionary band to Pitts-
burgh. The Bishop and M. Blanc were in the last
division ;' but after remaining in the stage for two
days, during which time it had repeatedly upset, en-
dangering their lives, they finally abandoned it alto-
gether, and performed the remainder of the journey
for five days on foot. About the middle of November,
the missionary company embarked on a fiat-boat; and
they reached Louisville on the last day of the month.
Here they found the Rev. MM. Chabrat and Shsefler,
who had been sent on by Bishop Piaget to welcome
them to Kentucky. Accompanied by them and by the
Rev. M. Blanc, Bishop Dubourg started immediately

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 178

for St. Thomas’, where he arrived in the evening of
December 2d.*

Bishop Flaget was rejoiced to meet his old friend.
“I recognized him instantly,” say9 he; — tJ 8ee! on
meeting me, he has the humility to dismount, in order
to present me the most affectionate salute that ever was
given.” f Many and long were the “happy conversa-
tions” which he .held with his former associate, and
now distinguished guest. Bishop Dubourg officiated
politically, and preached an admirable sermon in the
church of St. Thomas, — the only cathedral which the
Bishop as yet possessed.

On the 12th of December, the two prelates, accom-
panied by Father Bad in, set out for St. Louis, by the
way of Louisville. Here Bishop Dubourg preached in
the chapel erected by M. Bad in. On the 18th they
embarked on the steamboat Piqua, and on the 20th
reached the mouth of the Ohio, where they were de-
tained five days by the ice. Their time was passed
chiefly in religious exercises and pious conversations.!

The following description of the Piqua and its pas-
sengers, from the pen of Bishop Flaget, may not be
uninteresting to us at the present day, when steamboat
building and navigation have so greatly changed for
the better:

“Nothing could be more original than the medley
of persons on board this boat. We have a band of
seven or eight comedians, a family of seven or eight

* These details were furnished by Archbishop Blanc,
f Journal — Ibid,
x Ibid.

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174 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Jews, and a company of clergymen composed of a ton-
sured cleric, a priest, and two Bishops ; besides others,
both white and black. Thus more than thirty persons
are lodge*d in an apartment (cabin), twenty feet by
twelve, which is again divided into two parts. This
boat comprises the old and the new testament. It
might serve successively for a synagogue, a cathedral,
a theatre, an hospital ; a parlor, a dining room, and a
sleeping apartment. It is, in fact, a veritable NoaK%
ark , in which there both clean and unclean animals ; —
and what is most astonishing, — peace and harmony
reign here.” *

They were still at the mouth of the Ohio on the
morning of Christmas day. Not being able to say
three Masses, they determined to make three medita-
tions. At the conclusion of the second, the redoubta-
ble Piqua resumed her course towards St. Louis. The
Bishops and clergy made a kind of retreat on their
Noah’s ark. On the evening of Christmas day, the
boat stopped near the farm of the widow Fenwick, a
good Catholic, whom they were happy to visit. M.
Badin continued his journey by land from this point,
in order to be able to visit on the way many of his old
friends, Catholic emigrants from Kentucky.f

The Bishops returne i to the boat, where they found
the comedians performing a play,— that is, engaged in
a general fight among themselves, — until they were
separated by the captain. At midnight, on the 30th,
they arrived at St. Genevieve ; and early next morning,

* Journal — Ibid, '

f Ibid,

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP PLACET. 175

they sent a messenger to announce their coming to M.
De Andreis.

Two hours afterwards, u about thirty of the principal ,
inhabitants came, with several young men on horse-
back and a carriage, to escort the Bishops into the
town. We went to the presbytery to put on our ponti-
fical robes: twenty-four choir-children with the cross at
their head, and four citizens bearing a canopy, conduc-
ted us to the church, where after the installation of
Bishop Dubourg, on a throne specially prepared for the
purpose, we sang the Te Deum . The whole day was
spent in receiving visits,” *

On the first day of the year 1818, Bishop Dubourg
celebrated Pontifical Mass at St. Genevieve. The
journey was then continued by Prairie du Rocher and
Cahokias to St. Louis, where the prelates arrived on
the 5th. They were received with great pomp, in the
best French style; and Bishop Dubourg was no sooner
known than he was universally esteemed and beloved.
He professed himself much pleased with the disposi-
tions and sentiments of his new flock, — so different
from what he had been led to expect.

Bishop Flaget having now completed his mission,
preached his farewell sermon to the Catholics of St.
Louis on the feast of the Epiphany ; and on the next
day he turned his face homeward. He and M. Badin
performed the journey on horseback, by the way of
Kaskaskias and Yincennes. They were detained three
days at the former place, not being able to cross the
river in consequence of the running ice; and in tra-
versing Illinois they passed three successive nights in

* Journal — Ibid.

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176 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the open air of the prairies.* They reached Vincen-
nes on the 27th of January; and after remaining here
two weeks, attending to missionary duties, they con-
tinued their journey.

On the 21st of February, the Bishop found himself
|>nce more at his retired and pleasant home in the sem-
l&aiy of St. Thomas.

* Ala belle etoile. — Journal — Ibid,

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP PLACET.

m

CHAPTER VIII.

JOURNEY TO THE LAKES AND TO CANADA.

1818 — 1819.

Bishop Dubourg's kindness — Early religious history of Canada —
A golden maxim — The first missionary — First martyrs — The
apostle of the Hurons — Glance at the Jesuit missions of the
North — Trouble in Detroit — The Bishop departs — Journey
through Ohio — Indians— River Raisin— Detroit— Governor Cass
and General Macomb — A solemn reconciliation — Falls of Niag-
ara — Montreal — Quebec — The village of the Algonquins — The
great Indian treaty of St. Mary's — Colonel Johnson — The Bishop
sick with fever — Missionary labors at Detroit and river Raisin —
Returns homeward — Swearing boatmen— Pittsburgh — Its early
religious history — Cincinnati— Early missions of Ohio — Recep-
tion at home.

Bishop Dubourg kindly consented to take charge of
the missions of Illinois, scattered along the Eastern
borders of the Mississippi. He also offered to the
Bishop of Bardstown the services of four of his priests
for the missions of Indiana and Michigan, until the
latter could be able to make permanent arrangements
for the attendance ,of these districts. Accordingly, on
the 25th of April, 1818, we find MM. Blanc and Jean-
jean appointed resident missionaries for Vincennes;
and MM. Bertrand and Janvier for Detroit.

On the 1st of June, the two first named clergymen
12

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178 SKETCHES op the ltcie, TIMES AND

took their departure from Kentucky for Vincennes,

escorted by Rev. G. J. Chabrat. Rev. M. Blanc was
to have charge of the parish; and the Rev. M. Jean-
jean was sent to found a college. But owing to a mis-
understanding with a portion of the population — long
called the Vincennes faction — the attempt to establish
the college proved a failure. On learning this, Bishop
Dubourg recalled M. Jeanjean, in January, 1819, di-
recting him to repair to New Orleans.

After his departure, M. Blanc was left alone for
three months; when the Rev. M. Ferrari, a Lazarist,
was associated with him in this mission. In February,
1820, he was himself recalled, and sent to New Orleans.

During his stay at Vincennes, he had built two log
chapels ; one in Davis county, seven miles from Liver-
pool — now Washington ; — and the other on the Illinois
side of the Wabash, twelve miles from Vincennes,
where there was a French settlement.*

The mind of Bishop Flaget was greatly relieved by
this timely succor ; and he was now able to turn his
attention towards a far distant, but highly interesting
portion of his charge, — the French settlements scatter-
ed along the lakes, and the neighboring Indian tribes, —
which he had not yet been able to visit. Of his jour-
ney to these quarters we propose to treat in the present
Chapter.

We find on this subject the following passage in the
Annates de la Propagation de la *Foi : f
“ Following the traces of this journey of seven hun-
dred leagues, one would say, that wherever Bishop

* These facts were furnished by Archbishop Blanc himself,
t For September, 1850 — p. 941. French Life — p. 56.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAQET. 179

Flaget pitched his tent, he there laid the foundations
of a new church, and that each one of his principal
halts was destined to become a bishopric. There is
Vincennes, in Indiana;* there is Detroit, in Michi-
gan ; there is Cincinnati, the capital f of Ohio; there
are Erie J and Buffalo, on the borders of the lakes;
there is Pittsburgh, which he evangelized in returning
to Louisville, after thirteen months absence; — after
having given missions wherever, on his route, there
was a colony of whites, a plantation of slaves, § or a
village of Indians.”

Nearly two centuries had elapsed, since some of the
missionary stations which the Bishop was now 7 prepar-
ing to visit had been first established ; most of them
were considerably over a century old. The French
who peopled Canada, — or New France , — were imbued
with no small portion of that missionary spirit so re-
markable in the Spanish and Portuguese conquerors of
Mexico and South America. The conversion and sal-
vation of the aborigines held as prominent a place in
their thoughts, as their physical subjugation to the
power of their respective sovereigns. The golden
maxim of Champlein, the founder of New France;—
“The salvation of a soul is worth more than thk
conquest of an empire,” — was adopted and acted on
by all the Catholic pioneers of the new world.

The first missionary among the Indians of the North,

* He did not visit Vincennes on this journey.

t Principal city.

X Not yet a bishopric.

S We believe that, on this excursion, he met with no “plantation

Of 8lave3.”

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180 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

of whom we read, was Le Caron, a Franciscan friar.
As early as the year 1616, this courageous priest pene-
trated the wilderness, and preached successfully to the
Iroquois and Wyandots, whose wigwams were erected
on the rivers running into Lake Huron. The Jesuit
missionaries followed, and extended their labors among
the tribes dwelling in the far West and North-west; on
the borders of Lake Superior, and on the banks of the
Mississippi.

For nearly a century and a half, these fearless cham-
pions of the cross endured almost incredible sufferings
and privations in the discharge of their heroic duties ;
until every where the wilderness became vocal with the
praises of the true God uttered by Indian lips, in all
the uncouth idioms of the North-west. A volume
would be required to unfold in detail all these edifying
missionary enterprises, with their surprising results.*
Our limits and purpose will allow us barely to allude
to some of the principal persons and epochs in this in-
teresting history.

In 1634, Fathers Anthony Daniel and John De Bre-
bceuf, S. J., established missions among the Hurons.
They both cheerfully laid down their lives with their
flocks, whom they would not abandon in the hour of
peril, though entreated by them to seek safety in flight.
On the 4th of July, 1648, one of the Huron missions
was invaded by the fierce Iroquois, and Father Antho-

* Those who are curious to pursue this interesting study, are re-
ferred to the following works: Bancroft’s United States, vol. iii.,
chapter 20; The Early Jesuit Missions of North America, transla-
ted from the Lettres Edifiantes by Rev. J. Ingraham Kip ; and a
valuable work on the same subject by Dr. O’Callaghan, of New
York.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

181

ny Daniel was massacred with his faithful children ;
the first martyr of the North. The same fate befell
Fathers John De Breboeuf and Gabriel Lallement, in a
similar irruption of the Iroquois, on the 16th of the
following March. F. De Breboeuf w r as justly called

THE APOSTLE OF THE IIlJRONS.

The Jesuit missionaries visited Sault St. Marie in
1640. In 1660 they penetrated the wilderness along
Lake Superior ; where the zealous pioneer, F. Mesnard,
after having labored successfully for the conversion of
the Indians, perished a wanderer in the woods. In
1665, we find F. Allouez evangelizing the savages on
Green Bay; and in 1668, the mission of Sault St.
Marie was regularly established by FF. Claude Dablon
and James Marquette.

Father Marquette founded the mission of Point St.
Ignatius, opposite Mackinaw, in 1671 ; after which
he set out on his famous journey westward, to discover
the Great River , of which he had heard his red chil-
dren speak in terms of glowing eulogy. He entered
on the waters of the Mississippi on the 17th of June,
1673; and descended the mighty stream in a canoe as
far as the mouth of the Arkansas. He then retraced
his steps ; and, sending a messenger to convey the in-
telligence to the Governor of Canada, the humble mis-
sionary went to bury his honors in the woods of the
North-west, among his beloved savages ; where he soon
after died. Prairie du Chien was established as a mis-
sionary post. in 1675.

The French seem to have visited Michigan as early
as the year 1610, and missionaries went thither occa-
sionally soon afterwards ; but no priest appears to have

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TOTES AND

been stationed at Detroit before 1701. We find Rev.
M. De la Halle residing there in 1703, and M. Hubert
in 1782. The latter became subsequently Bishop of
Quebec.

After the suppression of the Jesuits in 1773, the
Bishop of Quebec was compelled to provide for their
various missions, so far as his resources would permit.
But for the want of a sufficient supply of priests, many
of those flourishing missionary establishments gradu-
ally languished, and some of them were almost entirely
abandoned, or merged into others. After the departure
of the Jesuits, the mission of Green Bay was without
a priest for twenty-seven years.*

After his consecration in 1790, Bishop Carroll took
charge of all those missions of the North and West
which lay within his Diocese, embracing the whole of
the United States. He sent the Rev. Gabriel Richard
to Detroit in 1798, where he remained thirty-four
years, — until his death in 1832. From Detroit, this
worthy priest occasionally visited Green Bay, and most
of the other Northern missionary stations.

Before the year 1817, difficulties, threatening an
open schism, had sprung up among the Catholics of*
Detroit; and on the 24th of February, of this year,
Bishop Flaget had issued a Pastoral Letter, strongly
denouncing the course adopted by the disaffected fac-
tion, and interdicting their church. f The intelligence
of this sad condition of affairs gave him much concern,
and hastened his departure for Detroit.

* These facts are gathered from the woiks alove indicated, and
from various articles in the Catholic Cabinet of St. Ljuis.

f Journal — Ibid .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAQET.

183

On the 15th of May, 1818, he departed from St.
Thomas’ for his distant mission. He was accompanied
by the Rev. MM. Bertrand and Janvier, and two young
men going to Detroit, named Godfroi and Knags. The
party performed the entire journey on horseback.
They went by the way of Frankfort, Georgetown, and
Cincinnati. The night before their arrival at the last
named city, they were hospitably entertained by a tav-
ern keeper named Gaines. The Bishop hereupon
remarks: u Like St. Francis of Sales, I admire Provi-

dence which inspires certain persons to receive travel-
ers for a consideration ; for there are circumstances in
which the money paid out is as nothing in comparison
with the services received.” *

lie reached Cincinnati on the 19th, and remained
there two days ; during which he made arrangements
for the purchase of a lot and the building of a church,
visited several Catholic families, and baptized one
child. lie was astonished at the rapid improvement
of the city; but he was saddened at the thought, that
while he saw so many fine temples erected by the Pro-
testants, the Catholics had not even a chapel wherein
to assist at the true w orship. There were, at that time,
but few Catholics in the city.

Continuing his journey, he passed through the beau
tiful valley of the Miami, which he greatly admired.
“The beautiful country of the Miami! What industry
in these Germans! If these good people had as much
zeal for the salvation of their souls, they would become
great saints.” f

* Journal, May 18, 1818.
t Ibid — May 21.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIME8 AND

Passing through Dayton and Springfield, he had the
happiness to say Mass at Urbana on the 24th of May.
Here he was much perplexed on account of his ignor-
ance of the remaining route, which lay through a
country thinly settled. He had recourse to prayer,
and committed himself and party to the care of Provi-
dence. Fortunately a young officer, named Gwynn,
was going to Detroit, and he kindly offered his services
as guide. At Solomon’s town, May 25th, he met sev-
eral Indian women, with whom he could not converse,
for want of an interpreter. He, however, made the
sign of the cross, which they immediately repeated,
with joy beaming on their countenances.* The night
was passed at Fort McArthur; and on the 26th he
reached Fort Finley. Here he found several Catholic
Indians, among whom he distributed pictures and
beads; and he baptized an Indian girl.j-

The Indians expressed their gratitude by the follow-
ing token: “One of the Indian women, advanced in

years, brought me one or two pounds of sugar, giving
me to understand that it was a little mark of grati-
tude from the whole village for the visit I had paid
them.”

The following description of the tavern at Fort Fin-
ley, may serve as a specimen of the privations w T hich
the travelers had to endure:

“All the members of this family, without exception,
were infected with a cutaneous eruption. J The moth-
er, with hands that were disgusting, made up the corn
bread which we were to eat ; the eldest daughter, on

* Journal, May 25. f Ibid.

t La gale — vulgo — the itch !

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

185

her side, cut the lard which was to serve at supper, and
we all drank out of the same vases used by these afflic-
ted persons. There was one sleeping room for fourteen
or fifteen persons. The travelers had to spread their
covering on a very rough floor, and to sleep the best
they could. Thanks to God neither sleep nor appetite
failed me in this hotel, and I remarked with pleasure,
that my traveling companions were as much privileged
as myself.” *

The roads were now exceedingly bad, and rendered
almost impassable by mud and water. The party en-
camped on the night of the 27th in the woods.f On
the 28th, they arrived at the Rapids of the Miami erf
the Lakes, and found two towns springing up on
opposite sides of the river. Their next station was the
river Raisin, where they remained three days, till the
last of the month. The Bishop found the church and
altar at this place in so wretched a condition, that he
could not say Mass ; he, however, preached on the 31st,
and enjoined a public penance on a man who had mar-
ried out of the Church. He has this entry in his
Journal :

“ Took tea with Mr. Anderson, a member of Con-
gress, and a Presbyterian in Religion. I found in his
face the imprint of piety; nothing could be more edi-
fying and religious than the conversation of this excel-
lent man. I should be much surprised, if he and all
his family do not become Catholics.” J

At ten miles distance from Detroit, (June 1,) he was

* Journal, May 27.
f A la belle etoile ,
l Ibid ,

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lB6s SKBToraes of the life, times and

met by an escort on horseback, who conducted him
into the city in procession, with great pomp. On the
following day he was called on by Governor Cass and
General Macomb, who both paid him the greatest pos-
sible attention during his stay. He returned their
visit ; and the Governor promised to extend every aid
in his power, both pecuniary and personal, towards the
promotion of the missions among the Indians.

lie was likewise visited by many of the Indians,
who expressed a lively joy at seeing their great Father.
From the day of his arrival, the Bishop conceived the
purpose of proposing the erection of an episcopal see
in Detroit, the condition of whose Catholic population
he found greatly improved, from what it had been ten
years previously.*

The first object of his solicitude was to heal the
schism above alluded to. A difficulty had existed for
a long time between a congregation established on the
“North-east coast,” f and M. Richard, the pastor of
Detroit; and as we have seen, the Bishop had, more
than a year previously, interdicted the church of the
disaffected party. His efforts for bringing about a
reconciliation were now crowned with complete suc-
cess. He found the “chiefs of the party” in good
dispositions.

At his first interview with them, they promised, in the
name of the congregation : 1. To remove their dead
from the street and lot ; 2. To contribute towards the
erection of the new church in Detroit; and 3. Not to

* Journal, Juno 5.

f La cote de Nord-est” — shore would, perhaps, be a preferable
rendering.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP PLACET.

187

speak of the past, but to bury it in oblivion. On his
part, the Bishop promised: 1. To raise the interdict
on their church ; 2. To permit burials in their ceme-
tery ; and 3. To send them a priest once a month.

The preliminaries of the reconciliation having been
thus satisfactorily adjusted, and the chiefs of the party
having signed his Pastoral in the name of the people,
the Bishop determined to render the ceremony of re-
moving the interdict as public and solemn as possible.
For this purpose, on Tuesday, the 9th of June, he was
conducted to their church in grand procession. The
discharge of cannon announced the approaching cere-
mony. The music of the regimental band mingled
with that of the chanters in the procession. Addresses
Were delivered in English and in French. An affec-
ting public reconciliation took place between the schis-
matics and their venerable pastor, M. Richard, who
shed tears of joy on the occasion. A collection of
$500 was taken up on the spot, — which the Bishop
considered a substantial omen of a permanent peace.

On the same day, the Bishop dined with Governor
Cass; and on the following, with General Macomb.
Returning from the house of the latter, the horses took
fright on the brink of the river, and he was thrown
from the carriage down a precipice into the water, lie
was not dangerously wounded, but he received a severe
contusion on the right shoulder, from the effects of
which he never recovered. The first symptom of his
approaching dissolution, a few months before his death,
was this shoulder turning black.

lie was copiously bled by a physician; and on this
occasion he records the following pious sentiment:—

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SKETCHES OF T HE LIFE, TIMES AND

“Lord! I have often wished to shed my blood for Thy
glory; but, my God, are not these finely conceived
resolutions merely speculative, which would end in
nothing, or, perhaps, would turn to my confusion, did
the occasion present itself to put them in execution ?
Vouchsafe, then in inspiring me with a sincere wish,
(for martyrdom,) to give me also the grace to realize
the desire.” *

While in Detroit, he preached in English, much to
the gratification of the American residents. u After
the ceremony, many gentlemen and ladies wished to
see me. O my God ! What is there in me to rivet the
attention of these people ! ” f This admirable simpli-
city, combined with the most sincere humility, furnish-
es a key to his character. He could not perceive in
himself the many shining qualities, which all others
admired.

For the more effectual instruction of the French
Catholics, he and M. Richard adopted the method of
holding Conferences ; the latter putting questions on
religious subjects, and he being the respondent. The
people were much moved and edified at this simple and
striking mode of imparting religious knowledge. He
often adopted this practice, with much fruit, in his sub-
sequent missions ; chiefly among the French congrega-
tions of the North.

On the 17th June, he left Detroit in a sailing vessel,
with M. Bertrand, on his way to Montreal and Quebec.
He reached Buffalo on the 23rd, but did not go ashore.
On the 24th, he visited Fort Erie and the Falls of Ni-
agara. He greatly admired the sublime spectacle pre-

* Journal, June 10. t Ibid. June 7.

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CHARACTER OF Rt8HOP FLAGET.

189

sented by the falling waters ; and he thought of thetor-
rents of divine grace, which, though stronger than tliis
mighty cataract, yet do not make so deep an impression
upon the hearts of men — more impervious to grace than
the rocks to the waters. II is description and impres-
sions of the mighty waterfall are worthy of being pre-
served.

u These Falls present the most grand and sublime
spectacle, which a mortal can contemplate on earth.
No words can express the sensations produced on the
soul by those torrents of water, forming a sheet nearly
a mile wide, and falling perpendicularly one hundred
and fifty feet. The rising vapors, while hiding from
your view a portion of the cataract, cause to arise in the
imagination ideas of a gulph, of an abyss, which fill
you with a religious fear, and seize you with a feeling
of solemn awe, never before felt. Until our arrival, the
sun had been hidden by clouds, and it continued so for
a time, while we were devouring with our eyes a spec-
tacle so astonishing ; when lo ! on a sudden, the solar
rays pierced the clouds, causing us to enjoy the sight of
numerous rainbows formed amidst the vapors ascending
from the abyss. The masses of water, falling into the
depths below, rebound, boiling, from the gulph ; and
you would believe that you saw, through the vapor, a
river of milk flowing on to a great distance. It .is im-
possible for the coldest soul not to become warmed at
the 'sight of this wonder. 4 God is wonderful in the
highest 5 — great is the Lord, and exceedingly to be
praised ! Alas ! (said I, to myself,) the torrents of grace,
much more extended, and much more voluminous than
this cataract of waters falling with so much force before

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

my eyes, are flowing each instant into the hearts of
men, and most of those hearts are not more penetrated
iby them, than are the hard rocks upon which these wa-
iters fall ! Is not this the case with my own heart ?
Q God ! do not permit this ! ” *

On the 25th, he took a steamboat plying between
Queenstown and Kingston, preaching in English and
French at the latter place. July 2nd, he embarked for
Montreal in a vessel twenty-four feet by six. The
weather was exceedingly warm, and the navigation of
the St. Law r rence w as impeded by rapids, very danger-
ous to the navigator. On the 5th, he arrived at Mon-
treal, and lodged with his brother Sulpicians in the
seminary. His heart “was inebriated with joy, 55 fat
being once more in a Catholic city, and in the midst of
his brethren.

On the 9th, he took a steamer for Quebec, enjoying
on the journey the company of the coadjutor Bishop of
Montreal. At Quebec he was very kindly received in
the seminary. He passed several days very agreeably
and usefully in visiting the several churches and insti-
tutions of this ancient city. One of his pilgrimages
was to see the relics of those two servants of God,
FF. De Breboeuf and Lallement, who had been burnt
to death by the Iroquois in 1649.

He could not sufliciently admire the various religious
establishments: — “ O my God ! What pleasure for a
Catholic heart, to see so many monuments of piety and
and religion in a country so remote ! The Seminary,
the Sisters Hospitalers — I shall never forget them — the

* Journal, June 24.

f lore' dejoie .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAQBT.

191

Cathedral, &c. I have seen too many edifying objects,

not to be a gainer.”*

lie blessed God, that by transferring the government
of Canada from the French to the English, he had pre-
served the Church there from external and internal
ruin ! 44 There are no philosophers in the congregation

of M. Mignault. In general, the Canadians have pre-
served much of their ancient simplicity.” f

He left Quebec on the 14th, and visited many places;
in all of which he was well received, and 44 loaded with
favors and presents.” Every where on his journey, he
was accompanied by Canadian priests. On the 20th,
he returned to Montreal, where he was once more hap-
py in the bosom of the seminary. u My God ! how
many thanks should I not render Thee, for having
always given me a decided relish for the exercises of a
seminary, in spite of the distractions in which I am
forced to live ! ” J lie visited the charming country
house of the Sulpicians, and the churches and institu-
tions of Montreal, and he was forcibly struck with the
good comportment of the people at divine worship.

On the 21st, he went to the congregation of St. Ann,
to visit M. Malaud, an old schoolmate, whom he had not
>seen for thirty-one years. Here a large band of Algon-
quins came to visit him and to receive his blessing.
They bore before them a crimson banner, inscribed with
the Ave Maria of the Sulpicians ; and falling on their
knees, appeared full of humility and faith. They con-
ducted him to their village ; and on his arrival, he was
saluted with firing of cannon, while all the inhabitants
•were on their knees to receive his benediction.

* Journal, July 12. f Ibid. t Ibid. July 20.

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192 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

At his Mass, on the 28th, the Indians chaunted can-
ticles in two responding choirs, and the Bishop was
moved even to tears. Afterwards they amused him
with an exhibition of the sports and exercises peculiar
to their tribe. He next visited their “ superb Calvary,”
carved in wood. He announced to them his ardent
wish to be “in communion of prayers” with them, and
to send missionaries to such of their brethren as were
within the boundaries of his own jurisdiction. Their
night prayers were likewise sung in two choirs.

On his departure, they accompanied him in their
pirogues, running races to exhibit their dexterity at the
paddle. The Bishop dismissed them with his blessing,
and an affectionate parting address, in which he said :
“ My heart is full of honey, and it is impossible for me
to be better pleased with anything I have ever seen or
heard.” * Returning to Montreal, he took a touching
leave of his Sulpician brethren ; and departed for De-
troit on the 2nd of August. He visited several priests
on his way, and passed through Cornwallis and Pres-
cott. On the steamer, he made the acquaintance of
the Governor General of Canada, who treated him with
great politeness and attention. On the 14th, he arrived
at Buffalo, where he remained a week before he could
continue his journey. The town had been burnt in the
late war, and there was in it no church and no priest.

On the steamer from Buffalo to Cleveland, he was
subject to many privations, and annoyed by the bad
company into which he was necessarily thrown. The
horrid blasphemies with which his ears were hourly
saluted, ceased only during a dreadful storm which

* Journal, July 29.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

193

threatened the steamer with shipwreck. He reached
Cleveland on the 25th, after a four days’ passage. On
the 27th, he safely arrived at Detroit.

There was, at this time, a general assembly of the
Indians of the North-west, held at St. Mary’s, for the
purpose of entering into a treaty with the American
government. There were present at it about 10,000
Indians of nine different tribes. The Bishop deter-
mined to go thither, in order to seek, by all means in
his power, to interest our government in the Indian
missions ; and also, to recover for the Church, if possi-
ble, the possessions of the ancient Jesuit missions.*

On the 3d of September, he set out on this benevo-
lent mission, accompanied by MM. Bertrand and Jan-
vier; and he arrived at St. Mary’s on the 9th. He
was immediately waited on by Governor Jennings,
Judge Park, and other distinguished persons, who
showed him every attention. Colonel John Johnson,
the oldest Indian agent, was specially kind to him;
and did every thing in his power to procure him com-
fortable accommodations. The Bishop pressed upon
his attention the importance to the interests of the
government itself, — to say nothing of higher consider-
ations, — of the Indians having Catholic missionaries,
and desired him to exert his influence with the differ-
ent tribes to induce them to apply to the Governor for
such instructors. How far he was successful in this
and in the other objects of his mission, we are not
informed. But we have no doubt that his represen-
tations carried with them great weight ; and that pro-

* Journal, September 3.

13

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194 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE* TIMES AKt?

bably some of the later Indian missions owed no little
of their success to the influence which he then exerted.

Col. Johnson could not forget the impression the
prelate then made on his mind, and he still speaks of
him in the highest terms of eulogy. He writes as fol-
lows, on the Bishop’s presence and bearing at the treaty ;

u The death of this venerable prelate of the Catholic
Church, which lately happened at Louisville, Ken-
tucky, at an advanced age, reminds me of times and
seasons during my long intercourse with the Indian
tribes of the North-west — a race which dire necessity
has compelled to seek new homes in the far West.
The largest and most important treaty held w T ith the
natives, since that of Greenville, in 1795, by General
Wayne, was the one concluded at St. Mary’s, in 1818 — *
thirty-two years ago. Bishop Flaget was in attendance
at this treaty during the whole time of its continuance,
a period of about seven weeks. The Indians present
on the occasion numbered about ten thousand, consis-
ting of Miamies, Potowattamies, Chippewas, Ottaw T as,
Delawares, Shawanoese, Wyandotte, Senecas, and Kick-
apoos. It fell to my lot, as the oldest agent in the
service acting under the authority of the commissioners
of the United States, to make all necessary arrange-
ments for the treaty. This included, of course, the
comfortable accommodation of the good Bishop. I
procured him a horseman’s tent, a sufficiency of blank-
ets, a man to attend to his wants, sent him breakfast
and supper from the officers’ mess, he dining regularly
with us at the public table. By invitation, the Bishop
performed divine service and preached every Sabbath.
Many of the sub-agents, interpreters, and Indians were

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

195

of the Catholic persuasion, and occupied much of his
time in attending to their spiritual wants. His con-
duct throughout his sojourn with us was so marked by
the affability, courtesy, and kindness of his manners,
with the dignity of the Christian and gentleman, that
he won all hearts. Added to this, he possessed a fine
proportioned and commanding person; few persons
excelled him here, when in the prime of his years.
Previous to the departure of the Bishop, it was pro-
posed to raise a collection for him. One hundred dol-
lars were speedily made up, and the undersigned was
charged with the delivery of the money. The Bishop
peremptorily refused to receive any of it, stating that
we had treated him so kindly he was largely our debtor.
When departing on horseback, he stopped at my tent,
which was some distance from his own, and, dismoun-
ting to bid farewell, he took me in his arms. After
many thanks for my attentions to him, he said : 4 1

have nothing better to bestow than the blessing of a
Christian Bishop;’ and, after imparting that in the
most affectionate manner, he bade me adieu. I have
never seen him since.” *

At the time of the treaty, St. Mary’s, with its sur-
rounding Indian encampment, presented a singular
spectacle ; bringing together in a small compass a curi-
ous medley of persons and things. Ten thousand
Indians, divided out into as many different quarters as

- i ■■ * • ■ ' ■

it See his Letter in the Catholic Telegraph & Advocate, February
#£d, 1850. Hie Colonel is mistaken in supposing that the Bishop
remained during the whole continuance of the treaty, about seven
weeks: he arrived September 9th, and left October 6th, as app^^pi
from his Journal — Ibid.

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196 8 KETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

there were tribes; bodies of American soldiers en-
camped at intervals among them ; the hall of assembly,
where the Talks were held with the various bands of
chieftains; the stores, restaurants, and houses for the
interpreters : all these, with the constant din and Ba-
bel-like confusion, made the little place a scene of re-
markable interest to the beholder. The Bishop and
M. Bertrand became ill with the fever, which prevailed
to a considerable extent in the place ; and for several
days before his departure he suffered greatly from want
of the comforts so necessary to the sick ; and which it
was scarcely possible to obtain amidst the confusion of
that multitudinous throng.

With the malady still on him, he left the encamp-
ment, on the 6th of October, and reached Detroit on
the 11th. The fever proved obstinate, and he was for
some weeks in a very suffering condition from its
effects. He was often confined for days to his room,
and sometimes to his bed. Yet he did not discontinue
his missionary labors ; he visited the various neighbor-
ing congregations, administering the sacraments, and
holding conferences with one of the clergy. On the
1st of November, he gave confirmation to two hundred
persons at Detroit.

Being somewhat recovered on the 17th, he started
for the river Raisin, where he devoted nearly six weeks
to arduous missionary duties. He here gave a course
of instruction to the children preparing for first com-
munion, and held conferences for the instruction of the
people. Finding that abuses and scandals had crept
into this and several of the other congregations, he
thought it expedient to exercise the rigor of ecclesias-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

197

tical discipline against some who had given public
scandal. Thus, he publicly excommunicated a man
who had married out of the Church, and caused two
females — sisters — who had been unfortunate, to do
public penance. They were called to the altar-railing ;
where, kneeling, they humbly confessed their fault, and
implored pardon for the public scandal they had given,
and bowing down kissed the floor. The Bishop here-
upon gave them a fatherly and fervid exhortation ; and
u the ceremony made many weep.”

He returned to Detroit on the 30th of December;
and he saw with lively joy that the glorious cross was
already planted on the steeple of the new church of
St. Ann. He remained in the city throughout the
entire winter and spring, until after Easter; making
occasional excursions to the neighboring congregations.
He now finished a course of spiritual exercises in the
church of the North-eastern shore, which had been
commenced before his visit to the river Raisin.

This retreat seems to have produced abundant fruits.
Old sinners were reclaimed ; inveterate enmities were
healed by reconciliation ; and some scandalous females
were admitted to public penance, amidst the tears and
sobs of the congregation. Among its fruits, the prelate
relates the following: A man who had been a fiddler

by profession refused thirty dollars for two nights’ play-
ing at balls, “in order to conform to my command;
though he was poor, and had a wife and ten children.” *

He gave conferences throughout the Lent, himself
being always the respondent. This favorite mode of
instruction he considered peculiarly well adapted to a

* Journal, February 12, 1819.

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198

SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

people, whose slender opportunities had not allowed
them to make much advancement in religious knowl-
edge. Wherever he went, he had the happiness to
perceive, operated under his eyes, a thorough reforma-
tion of morals, and a new impulse given to Religion.
He preached every Sunday in English to an audience
mostly Protestant ; and he was heard with much respect
and attention, but, he feared, “ with little fruit.” *

On the 14th of April, 1819, he revisited the river
Raisin, where he gave a retreat, which was followed by
the conversion of some great sinners. He here admin-
istered confirmation, and made arrangements for the
erection of a new church. In May, he returned to
Detroit, and prepared for his journey homeward.

He had now finished his mission ; and he was much
consoled by the great amount of good God had been
pleased to accomplish through his ministry. He esti-
mated the number of Catholics then in Detroit and the
vicinity, at between four and five thousand : how many
there were in the other congregations which he visited,
we are not informed.

On the 29th of May, he bade an affectionate adieu
to the clergy and people of Detroit, and, accompanied
by some young men for his seminary, took a steamer
for Erie, which town he reached on the last day of the
month. Thence he traveled by Waterford and French
creek to the Alleghany river, which he descended in a
keel-boat to Pittsburgh.

The boatmen were much addicted to profane swear-
ing, greatly to the annoyance of the Bishop. One eve-
ning on landing, they remarked to him, apologetically,

* Journal — Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

199

that they seldom thought of God. “I believed, on the
contrary,” rejoined the Bishop, with a smile, “that
you thought of him often, as you have His holy name
so constantly on your lips ! ” The men understood and
profited by the rebuke, so gently administered.

He remained but two day9 at Pittsburgh ; and he
says nothing of the religious condition of the city.
He merely remarks that there was a church in which
he offered up the holy sacrifice. Here he found the
Rev. William Byrne, a sub-deacon, on his way to the
Diocese of Bardstown. ne also met at this place Mr.
Joseph Haseltine, a convert lately from Canada, to
whom he administered confirmation, and whom he sub-
sequently had the happiness to ordain priest in Ken-
tucky.

We will avail ourselves of this occasion, to furnish
some facts in regard to the early religious history of
Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania, which have
been derived from an authentic source.* Bishop
Flaget, it appears, had passed by Pittsburgh on his
return from Canada, chiefly with a view to dispose of
some property owned by a Mr. Marie, an uncle of
Bishop David. The house formerly belonging to this
man is yet standing, and it is one of the oldest in the
city.

The priest stationed at Pittsburgh in 1819, was the
Rev. F. X. O’Brien ; and the church of which he was
pastor was dedicated to St. Patrick. The building is
still standing, though it has since been enlarged by
the addition of a transept.

* We are indebted to the Right Rev. Dr. O’Connor, Bishop of
Pittsburgh, for the interesting summary of facts which follows.

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200 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

The first mission established in what is now the
Diocese of Pittsburgh, was at the place where the

Benedictine monastery near Youngstown is at present
located. This missionary station was founded in 1789;
and with the exception of the French settlements on
the borders of the lakes, and along the banks of the
Wabash and Mississippi rivers, it was probably the
first place where Mass was ever celebrated West of the
Alleghany mountains. The Catholics of Pittsburgh
were attended for several vears from Youngstown.
Another mission was established on Sugar creek ; and
it is believed that Father Whelan, who was subse-
quently sent to Kentucky, was stationed here for some
time.

The Loretto mission was founded by the Rev. Deme-
trius A. Gallitzin, about the year 1799. Under the
pastoral charge of this learned, pious and devoted mis-
sionary, who had sacrificed a princely title and fortune
in embracing the Catholic faith, Loretto became an
important point in the early missions of Western
Pennsylvania. His works yet remain ; and his name
is held in benediction by the Catholics of that vicin-
ity. lie was one of those devoted and truly apostolic
men, who laid the foundations of Religion in North
America.

The Rev. F. X. O’Brien resided at Browmsville,
when he first came to the West; and from that place
he attended Pittsburgh, where there was as yet no
church. In 1809 or 1810, he went thither to remain
as resident pastor. St. Patrick’s church was commen-
ced in 1810. About the year 18:20, Rev. Mr. O Brien
returned to Maryland ; and died, some time afterwards,

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CHARACTER OF BIBHOP FLAGET. 201

probably at Annapolis. He was succeeded at Pitts*
burgh by Father Maguire ; who, having remained there
alone for some years, was, about the year 1831, assisted
by the Rev. J. O’Reilly. The latter clergyman was
succeeded in the pastoral charge, in 1841, by the pres-
ent Bishop of Pittsburgh.

The city of Erie is erected on the site of the old
French fort of Presqu’ Isle, — some remains of which
are still to be there seen. There seems to have been
no resident priest at this place before the year 1837 or
1838; about which date a small frame church was
erected. In 1840, a German church was built, which
has since been placed under the pastoral charge of the
Jesuits. A spacious church for the English congrega-
tion was erected in 1849.

On the 7th of June, the Bishop left Pittsburgh in
a keel-boat, and descended the Ohio river to Cincin-
nati, where he arrived on the 21st of the same month.
Here he found that the new church was under roof,
and that it had already been used for divine service.
It was a frame edifice 55 feet by 25 ; the lot, about 120
by 118 feet, had been purchased for a small amount,
payable in five or six annual installments ; and there
remained unpaid on the work already done about #100.
The congregation was then composed of only five or
six families; and the church was situated about two
miles out of town. It was moved into the city on roll-
ers about the year 1823, during the absence of Bishop
Fenwick in Europe ; and it was placed on the site of
the present St. Xavier’s church.*

The Bishop speaks of the condition and prospects of

* These details were furnished by F. N. IX Young,

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208 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Catholicity in the city as follows : 44 It is a great mis-

fortune that no Catholics come to settle in the neigh-
borhood of this splendid city. At present, there are
no other Catholics in Cincinnati than laborers and
clerks, and — such as are to be converted. Yet, I think
that nothing should be neglected to establish Religion
here; for the mercy of God is great, and when He
pleases, He can multiply His children.” *

Truly has He multiplied His children in Cincinnati;
and the Bishop lived to see his anticipations more than
realized ! Considering its humble beginnings, the pro-
gress of Religion in this city and throughout Ohio has
been, indeed, marvelous. That city in which, thirty-
two years ago, there was but a mere handful of Catho-
lics, is now, thanks to the mercy of God, a full third,
perhaps nearly half, Catholic !

The first missionary to Ohio was Father Edward
Fenwick, of the order of St. Dominic, who subsequent-
ly became the first Bishop of Cincinnati. Residing at
the convent of St. Rose, in Kentucky, he made frequent
excursions to Ohio; and as the number of Catholics
increased, he afterwards devoted the most of his time
to this growing mission.

We find very different statements as to the time
when Father Fenwick first visited Ohio. The French
account of the early missions of Ohio, published at
Paris in 1824, says that he first penetrated into that
State in the year 1808. A writer in the Catholic Tele-
graph f fixes the date at 1810 ; and he tells a somewhat
romantic story of the manner in which the pioneer
missionary found three Oatholio families in the forests,

* Journal, Juno 21. t Volume iiL, p. 86.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET, 808

by heariDg at a distance the .sound of their axes. An-
other writer in the U. S. Catholic Magazine judiciously
corrects this mistake, on the authority of Bishop Fen-
wick himself ; who, in a Letter written * from Bordeaux
to Father Badin then in Paris, expressly states that he
first visited Ohio in 1814.f

The fact is, that Bishop Flaget himself, as we have
already seen, had discovered those three Catholic fam-
ilies in Ohio, consisting of twenty individuals, when
he was on his way to Baltimore, in 1812 ; and he had
promised to send them a Catholic priest, at least once
a year. On his return to Kentucky in the spring of
1813, he did not forget his promise. It was he who
gave Father Fenwick the information in regard to the
existence of Catholics in the neighboring State, and
who deputed him to attend to their spiritual wants.
The prelate could not have made a better choice.
Father Fenwick was admirably suited for the post of
pioneer missionary in a new region, through whose
waving forests Catholics were at that early day but
thinly scattered.

In the year 1815, he visited Cincinnati, Chilicothe,
and many other parts of the State. At the close of
the following year, he came to St. Thomas’, to report
the state of the mission to the Bishop. The number
of Catholics had meantime so greatly increased, that
at least four priests were then needed in Ohio. J In
1817, Father Fenwick reported that he had found at

* Early in August, 1823.

f See three artieles in the sixth volume of the U. S. Catholie
Magazine, to which our attention was called by the Arehbishop of
Cincinnati, to whom we are also indebted for other favors.

\ Journal, December 6, 1816.

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204 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Gallipolis many children eighteen years old who had
not been baptized. At no great distance from this
town, there were sixteen Catholic families.

The Bishop was much afflicted at not being able im-
mediately to meet the pressing wants of this interesting
mission; but Father N. D. Young, — ordained Decem-
ber 10, 1817, — was associated with Father Fenwick not
long afterwards. He went to Ohio, for the first time,
in November, 1818. The two missionaries had to mul-
tiply themselves to meet all the calls made on their
ministry. They were, under Bishop Flaget, the found-
ers of Religion in Ohio.

In 1*819, Father Fenwick reported, that eight clergy-
men would scarcely suffice for this mission ; and that
three were needed for Perry county alone. The church
of St. Joseph, near Somerset, was established Decem-
ber 6th, 1818; and it was the first erected in Ohio.*
This congregation was then composed of only eight or
ten families. About a year later, sixty families were
attached to it: and there were, moreover, thirty fami-
lies around Zanesville ; thirty in Knox county ; and as
many in Stark county .f

Our saintly prelate was rejoiced at the blessings with
which God was pleased to crown the zeal of the two
Dominican missionaries. He ascribed their success, in
a great measure, to the circumstance that “they preach-
ed little, but prayed the more. 55 J

* It was originally a log building, erected by the Messrs. Dittoe,
on the suggestion of Bishop Flaget. A stone addition was after-
wards put up ; and the logs having decayed, they were replaced by
brick: — so that the church is now partly of stone and partly of brick.

1 These statistics are derived from Father Fenwick's correspon-
dence with Bishop Flaget.

X Journal, March, 1820.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

205

Bishop Flaget reached Bardstown and St. Thomas’
on the 30th of June, 1829. His reception at the semi-
nary is thus related by himself in his Report to the

Pope, already quoted :

“ Bishop David,* who had been advised beforehand
of my arrival, came to meet me at the head of his
seminarians. He began to address me a few words,
but his tears, more eloquent than any language, pre-
vented him from continuing. Mine followed not less
abundantly ; we all embraced one another with affec-
tion. My heart was so full of joy, that I forgot entire-
ly the sufferings and fatigue inseparable from a journey
of at least seven hundred leagues,! °f which the greater
part had been traversed in the discharge of mission-
ary duties.”

* Not yet consecrated. f Nearly 2,100 miles.

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SKETCHES OF THU LIFE, TIMES AND

CHAPTER IX.

COADJUTOR — CATHEDRAL — 'SEMINARY — CONSECRATION OF
BISHOP FENWICK.

1 8 1 9 — 1 822.

Scruples of conscience — How solved — Father David — Jlis charac-
ter-presented for the bishopric of Philadelphia — Escapes the
nomination — Appointed Coadjutor — His objections to accep-
ting — The Cathedral — Laying corner-stone, and solemn dedica-
tion — Consecration of Bishop David — The seminary removed —
Impressions of a clerical traveler— Arrival of a Propagandist —
Correspondence concerning Bishops for Cincinnati and Detroit —
Father Fenwick appointed Bishop of Cincinnati, and consecra-
ted — His labors in Ohio blessed— Condition of his Diocese — His
zeal, and death— Bishop FlagePs love for his priests — Rev. Mr.
Abell — Rev. M. Hosten — Rev. M. Derigaud.

In the beginning of the year 1817, Bishop Flaget
began to entertain scruples concerning the propriety of
continuing his Journal. The thought occurred to him,
that the practice of daily recording his own acts and
sentiments was little more than mere vanity and self-
love. In this doubt, he applied to his intimate friend
and enlightened confessor, Father David; who at once
dispelled his scruple, and counseled him to continue
the work. From thenceforward, however, the prelate
resolved to make a note of his acts only, and to omit

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mA&wrm of bishop blagih 1 .

soar

all pious sentiments and reflections ; a resolution
which, we are very happy to find, he afterwards forgot
to observe.

Father David was endowed with solid, rather than
brilliant talents ; and his profound ecclesiastical learn-
ing was ever guided in its application by sound discre-
tion and great good sense. His piety was solid and well
grounded, his zeal unbounded, and his willingness to
labor commensurate with his earnest desire to do good.
He was eminently practical, and he went straight to
his point ; and withal, he was as humble as a child ;
always as ready to own his own faults, as he was can-
did in reminding those under his charge of theirs.
All who knew him well, esteemed and loved him. He
grew in your opinion upon nearer acquaintance.

He was from the Diocese of Nantes, in France ; and
was, like our prelate, a Sulpician. As we have already
seen, he came to America in the same ship with M.
Flaget, in 1792; and from that date they were almost
inseparable companions, and intimate friends in Christ
Jesus* Content with his offices of simple missionary
and superior of the seminary, Father David shrank
from honors, aware of their great danger and heavy
responsibility ; hut honors were thrust upon him.

As early as the beginning of the year 1815, Arch-
bishop Carroll had sent his name to Rome, as one emi-
nently suitable to fill the important see of Philadelphia,
which was then vacant.*)* The humble ecclesiastic was
alarmed ; he wrote to Rome an earnest letter of remon-

* Journal, 1817 — in initio.

f The Letter of the Archbishop announcing this step was receiv-
ed by Bishop Flaget May 15, 1815. — Journal — Ibid .

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208 SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

strance, setting forth, in the strongest terms, his utter
unfitness for the place. Bishop Flaget united his
efforts with those of his friend, with whose services he

could not easily dispense; and their joint influence
proved effectual in preventing the appointment.

The following extract from a Letter of the Bishop,
written in 1826, would make it appear, that Philadel-
phia was not the only important see which the humili-
ty of Father David prevented him from filling: “ My

dear Coadjutor, who has been as necessary to me in the
administration of my Diocese, as the eyes are to the
head, has sacrificed two bishoprics in our great cities
of America to be the lowly Coadjutor of the exceed-
ingly poor Bishop of Bardstown.” *

The vastness of his Diocese, his frequent absence
from home, and his own advancing years, prompted
Bishop Flaget to apply for a Coadjutor; and though
Father David was a few years his senior, yet, as the
health of the latter was still sufficiently robust, the
Bishop believed him to be the most suitable person
whom he could select. Accordingly, he made the ap-
plication to Borne, and his petition was favorably re-
ceived.

The Bulls nominating J. B. M. David Bishop of
Mauricastro in partibus , and Coadjutor of the Bishop
of Bardstown, were dated July 4th, 1817, and they
reached Kentucky on the 25th of the following Novem-
ber.! Yet almost two years elapsed before his consecra-
tion ; during the greater part of which time Bishop

* French Life — p. 96. The other bishopric, as was said above,
was probably that of New Orleans.

f Journal, in locus.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

209

Flaget, as we have seen in the two proceeding Chap-
ters, was absent on distant visitations.

One reason of the delay was the reluctance of Father
David to accept the appointment. He entertained
serious scruples of conscience on the subject, which he
frankly laid before the Holy See. As these reasons for
not accepting will furnish us with a clue to his charac-
ter, and as they are withal edifying, we lay them before
our readers.

1. He dreaded the responsibility of the office, which
he felt was greatly above his strength. 2. He had
himself advised the Bishop to ask for a Coadjutor, and
he feared lest he might have had some, at least indirect
agency in his own nomination. 3. The reasons set
forth in the Bulls for giving the Bishop a Coadjutor, —
his age and infirmities, &c., — applied more strongly
still to himself, as he was both older and more infirm
than Bishop Flaget.

Cardinal Litta, Prefect of the Propaganda, replied in
the name of the Holy See, and strongly advised him to
accept ; alleging that those clauses, usual in such docu-
ments where the appointment of a Coadjutor is in
question, were not intended to be interpreted in their
strictest and most literal acceptation, and that, more-
over, the Pontiff healed whatever deficiencies might be
supposed to exist in the premises.

The scruples of the newly elect were dispelled by
this authoritative advice and declaration ; but his pov-
erty was such that he had not the means to provide
immediately what was necessary for his consecration ;
and this was another reason for the delay. In a letter
to his friends in France, he frankly stated this reason,
14

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210 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AHD

and asked for assistance. This holy poverty, so sin
cerely cherished by him, and so often extolled as one
of the evangelical counsels in his discourses, he carried
with him to the grave ; leaving nothing behind him
at his death, but a few books and manuscripts, — and
the sweet odor of his virtues.

Though nearly nine years had elapsed since his ap-
pointment to the see of Bardstown, the Bishop had as
yet no cathedral, to which the other churches of his
Diocese might look up as to a mother, and in which
the sublime offices of our holy Religion might be suit-
ably performed. Among his many solicitudes, that
connected with the supplying of this important want
was not the least.

We have seen, that he thought anxiously on this
subject very soon after his arrival in Kentucky. In
his poverty, and amid the many pressing needs of his
Diocese, it seemed rashness to engage at that time in
an undertaking so far above his means. He had a
great horror of debt, and he justly thought that Provi-
dence did not call on him to involve himself in inextri-
cable pecuniary difficulty.

In 1816 , Mr. John Rogers, an able architect from
Baltimore, proposed to him to embark in the underta-
king, alleging and endeavoring to prove its practica-
bility. The reluctance of the Bishop was at length
overcome by the forcible representations of MM. David
and Chabrat, who counseled him to trust largely in
divine Providence ; and he at length gave his consent.

u That which has occupied us most,” writes Father
David,* “ is the building of a cathedral at Bardstown.

* Letter dated November 20, 1817— sup. cit.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

.211

Though the Bishop had conceived this design immedi-
ately on his arrival, he had not, however, yet ventured
on its execution: but Providence has at length over-
come all obstacles in a wonderful manner. A good
Catholic carpenter from Baltimore has offered his ser-
vices for this purpose ; and the amount of the first sub-
scription was found to be from twelve to fourteen
thousand dollars. Bardstown alone, which scarcely
equals in size one of our large villages in France, sub-
scribed five thousand dollars.”

The result of the subscription cheered the Bishop,
who considered it a mark of the approval of heaven.
Yet he writes: “I keep myself within the limits of a

holy indifference as to success. I would heartily wish
to live at the see which Borne has established ; but still
more I wish, that Thy will, O God, should be done !
‘That no flesh may glory in thy sight; ’ but that all
glory be given to thee ! ” *

The corner-stone of the cathedral was laid July 16,
1816; and Father David preached on the occasion, to
a very large audience, a luminous discourse, explana-
tory of the impressive ceremonial. Four priests from
St. Bose, and all the seminarians, were in attendance.
Two years afterwards, the edifice — a fine structure in
the Boman Corinthian style — was almost completed.
On the 7th of August, 1819, the Bishop removed to
Bardstown, with his Coadjutor elect. He left St.
Thomas’ with regret; and he often visited the place
afterwards, to bury himself in deeper solitude. He
found his apartment in Bardstown “too handsome and

* Journal, 1816.

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212 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

too vast for a Bishop, who should regard himself as one
of those of the primitive Church.” *

On the following day the cathedral was solemnly
consecrated, in conformity with the rites prescribed in
the Pontifical; Bishop David preaching during the
consecration, and Rev. Mr. Abell at the Mass. The
collection taken up amounted to ninety dollars. There
was an immense concourse present at the imposing
♦ceremony ; — the first of the kind ever performed in the
West.

On the feast of the Assumption, a week later, Bishop
David was consecrated in the new cathedral by Bishop
Flaget, who was assisted by the Rev. MM. Nerinckx
.and Wilson, O. S. D. The consecration sermon was
preached by Rev. M. Chabrat. This was the first epis-
copal consecration which took place west of the Alle-
ghany mountains.

Bishop David changed nothing in his rigid manner
cf life, with the exception that he now became still
more exact and laborious. In spite of the new cares and
responsibility devolved on him, he continued to direct
the exercises of the seminary as superior, devoting sev-
eral hours each day to the duties of this office and to
teaching theology. He, moreover, gave a considerable
portion of his time to the forming of the new sister-
hood of Nazareth, of which he was the founder. When
we add that he was for a considerable time chief pastor
and organist of the cathedral^ and that he visited
monthly four stations attached to the cathedral congre-
gregation, besides occasionally attending that of St.
Thomas, of which he had long been pastor; we will

* Journal — Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

213

probably come to the conclusion, that his time was
fully employed, and that he had little leisure for recre-
ation.

On the 21st of September, the seminary was removed
from St. Thomas’ to Bardstown, now the residence of
of the two Bishops. These occupied apartments in the
same building with the seminarians; and for many
years they ate at the same table, and as far as possible,
performed all the spiritual exercises with them. It
was a well organized family, in which the fathers lived
in the midst of their children. “ This day,” says the
Bishop, “should form an epoch in the history of the
Church in Kentucky ; for I dare hope that from this
house will go forth priests who will sustain and propa-
gate the faith. What embarrassment, however, in
providing for temporal wants, under such circumstan-
ces ! Every thing consists in acting with great liberty
of spirit, and in reposing confidence without bounds in
God.”*

On the Sundays and festivals, the Bishops appeared
in the cathedral, surrounded by their seminarians
robed in surplices; and all the ceremonies of the
Church were performed with great exactness and even
splendor. All present were greatly edified by the ap-
pearance and deportment of the clergy and young can-
didates for the holy ministry. The Protestants were
also much impressed with the beauty and grandeur of
our ceremonial. We cannot do better, while on this
subject, than to furnish ouii readers with the impres-
sions the service as then performed in the cathedral

* Journal, September 21, 1819.

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214 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

made on the mind of an intelligent clerical stranger,
who was at the time on a visit to Kentucky .

“ I have just arrived from Kentucky, whither I went
to fulfill certain commissions towards the holy Bishop
Flaget and some members of his clergy. The prelate
showed me his famous establishments and his cathe-
dral. Accompanying me himself on horseback, he
made me visit his convents, his seminaries, and his
colleges : for we must already speak in the plural num-
ber of all these establishments, scattered in the midst
of the forest. I avow to you, sir, that if ever I was
penetrated with deep feeling, it was while assisting at
the Holy Sacrifice in the cathedral on Sunday. Tor-
rents of tears flowed from my eyes. The ceremonies,
all performed with the greatest exactness according to
the Roman rite ; the chant at once grave and touching ;
the attendant clergy pious and modest : — every thing
impressed me so strongly, that I almost believed myself
in the midst of one of the finest churches of Rome,
which I had before thought could not be equalled any
where else in the world. From the bottom of my
heart, I poured forth prayers to God for this worthy
Bishop, for France, and for those who, by their gener-
osity, had contributed to have the good God so well
worshiped in the midst of the waving forests.” *

The Bishop himself thus writes on the same subject:

“ Nothing could be more astonishing, and edifying
.at the same time, than to see the Bishop officiating
pontifically in his cathedral, with deacon and sub-dea-
con both students of the seminary, surrounded by more

* From Annales de la Propagation, &e., vol, ii., p. 24. Number
for May, 1826.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

215

than fifteen young seminarians, tonsured or in minor
orders, clad in cassock and surplice, and singing as well
as if they had been trained in Paris itself. Many
priests have already been reared in the seminary ; their
piety and talents would render them distinguished even
in Europe ; and some of them are excellent preachers
and very good controversialists.” #

Cheered by the hope of soon having priests enough
from his own seminary, to supply the wants of his ex-
tensive Diocese, and relieved of a portion of his heavy
charge by the appointment of Bishop Dubourg, and
the kind and timely aid received from him towards
providing his most distant missions ; consoled, more-
over, with the thought, that in his absence Religion
could not suffer, with so able and vigilant a -Coadjutor
as Bishop David, Bishop Flaget was now much more
easy in mind, and more happy than he had ever been
since his Consecration. That kind Providence in which
he had always so confidingly trusted, had come visibly
to his assistance. But ten years of his episcopal career
had passed, and already every thing wore a new aspect.

Two events, which occurred in the year 1821, contri-
buted much to enhance the consolation with which his
soul already abounded. The first was the arrival in
his Diocese of a young priest from the Propaganda,
(September 23d,) with whose first appearance he was
greatly pleased, f and whose piety, zeal, and extensive
theological attainments, proved an invaluable treasure
to him for many years. This young ecclesiastic, shortly
afterwards permanently attached to the Diocese, is too

* From Annales, &c. — p. 40.

f Journal, September 23, 1821.

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216 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

well known to all our readers to require being named
by us in these Sketches.

The second joyful occurrence of this year was the
intelligence, that Father Edward Fenwick had been
appointed first Bishop of Cincinnati. The Bishop had
long and anxiously thought on the subject of proposing
the erection of this and other sees in the West. He
and Bishop Dubourg had been for some time engaged
in correspondence on the subject. New bishoprics
were needed at Cincinnati, Vincennes, and Detroit;
as Bishop Flaget had written to Bishop Dubourg on
the 30th of December, 1819.* The reply of the latter
was received in the following April. Great difficulty
existed in settling on the precise sees to be proposed ;
still greater, in finding suitable persons to fill them.f

At first, it had been determined to propose the Rev.
Dr. Gallitzin for the see of Cincinnati ; but when this
worthy clergyman was made acquainted with the in-
tention of the two prelates, he wrote to Bishop Flaget,
peremptorily declining the appointment, and alleging
such reasons, prompted by his humility and the cir-
cumstances in which he found himself placed, as
caused them to abandon the idea of farther insisting on
his being nominated.

They then agreed in presenting Father Fenwick for
Cincinnati, and the Holy See acted with promptness
on the recommendation. They probably, at the same
time, united in recommending the distinguished Jesuit,
Father Grassi, for Detroit. In a letter to our prelate,
Bishop Dubourg writes as follows : “ M. Inglesi writes

to me from Rome, that the nomination of M. Grassi

* Journal — Ibid. f Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

217

for Detroit has met with difficulties ; but not so that of
Father Fenwick for Cincinnati. M. Sibourd will not
be my Coadjutor,” &c.*

The Bulls erecting the see of Cincinnati, and nomi-
nating Father Fenwick its first incumbent, dated 19th
June, arrived in Kentucky, October 13th, 1821 ; while
the zealous apostle of Ohio was buried in its forests,
seeking, according to his own phrase, after “the stray
sheep.” He was surprised on learning that he had
been thought of in connection with so responsible an
office. He at first expressed great reluctance to accept,
but was finally induced to yield to the pressing wants
of that mission, and the reasons alleged by those to
whom he applied for advice.

The new Diocese comprised the State of Ohio ; and
its first Bishop was likewise charged with the spiritual
administration of the territories of Michigan and the
North-west, until new bishoprics could be founded
therein. It is not a little remarkable, that an effort
should have been made to locate the new see at Somer-
set, instead of Cincinnati ; and it is perhaps still more
so, that Bishop Dubourg should have preferred Chili-
cothe to either of the above cities, as being more
central.!* It was owing principally to the strong repre-
sentations and great personal influence of Bishop Flaget,
that Cincinnati was eventually selected. The result
has proved the wisdom of the advice given on the sub-
ject by our enlightened and saintly prelate ; whom the
Holy See rightly judged to be better acquainted with
the state of affairs than any one else.

* Letter, August 9, 1821.

f In a Letter on the subject to Bishop Flaget, in 1820.

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218 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Dr. Fenwick was consecrated by Bishop Flaget, assis-
ted by FF. Wilson and Hill, at St. Rose, on the 13th of

January, 1822.* Bishop David preached the consecra-
tion sermon. Towards the end of the ensuing March,f
he departed to take possession of his see. That he
was worthy of the place, his subsequent life amply
demonstrated. He labored 44 in season and out of sea-
son;” and at the close of his administration, his Dio-
cese presented an aspect totally different from what it
had been at the commencement of his episcopal career.
Besides his brethren of the order of St. Dominic at St.
Rose, he was enabled to enlist many others in the ser-
vice of the new missions. Among these was the Rev.
F. Rese, a Propagandist, afterwards first Bishop of
Detroit.

Father Hill, a Dominican, and a convert of an illus-
trious family in England, labored for several years, with
devoted zeal and great efficiency, on the missions of
Ohio. After sacrificing every worldly consideration on
the altar of divine love, he never once faltered in his
purpose 44 to spend and be spent for the salvation of
souls.” He died, in odor of piety, at Canton, Ohio,
September 3, 1828, in the midst of his labors; and he
was buried, at his own request, under the eves of the
church of which he had been pastor.

Bishop Fenwick had made it a condition for his ac-
ceptance of the episcopal office, that the Rev. Father
Wilson of St. Rose’s convent, provincial of the Domin-
icans, should accompany him to Ohio, as theologian
and Vicar General. Accordingly, this distinguished
ecclesiastic and Father Hill went with him to Cincin-

* Journal — Ibid. f Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

219

nati, when he repaired thither to take possession of his
See. He was solemnly installed by Bishop Flaget,
who delivered one of his most impressive and touching

discourses on the occasion. Father Wilson having been
compelled to return to Kentucky, about six months
afterwards, Father Hill was chosen Vicar General;
which office he continued to fill till his death.*

During the early years of his administration, Bishop
Fenwick was much distressed at his want of missiona-
ries ; and it is not surprising that he used every possible
effort to supply the want. For this purpose he applied
to the Propaganda, asking for the services of the young
propagandist above mentioned ; stating that his Diocese
had much more need of him than that of Bardstown,
which was already, in a great measure, supplied.

When Bishop Flaget heard of this application, he
was much distressed, and immediately wrote to Borne
an energetic letter on the subject ; stating that, though
disposed to assist, to the best of his power, the new
Diocese of Cincinnati, he could not bear the thought of
being deprived of the services of one, so necessary for
his support in his declining years. f His protest was
successful at Borne.

We will avail ourselves of this occasion to throw to-
gether such additional facts connected with the early
administration of Bishop Fenwick, as we have been able
to gather from the materials wdthin our reach.

After having labored for little more than a year in

* Several of these details were furnished orally by the nephew of
Bishop Fenwick, the Rev. N. D. Young, 0. S. D.

f He entreated, that “ D. senectutis meae baculus firmissi-

mus, oculusque acutissimus, apud me remaneat, et ad exitum
meum vel Coadjutoris mei, Coadjutor ipse consecretur.”

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

his new Diocese, and having been forcibly struck with

the want of every requisite for a complete and solid
missionary establishment, he determined to visit Eu-
rope, and to lay the condition of his missions before the
Holy Father at Rome. He accordingly left Cincinnati
on the 30th of May, 1823 ; and he arrived at Bordeaux
in France, on the 6th of August following. The Very
Rev. M. Badin was then in Paris, on business connected
with the Diocese of Bardstown ; and to him the good
prelate wrote, a few days after his arrival, setting forth
the circumstances under which he had accepted the
episcopacy, and the destitute state of his Diocese. We
cannot do better than to republish the greater portion
of this valuable document, which abounds with inter-
esting facts :

“ Having in so many instances of my life experienced
the fatherly care and protection of God, the bestower of
all good gifts, I confidently hope that the same divine
Providence will continue through the remainder of my
arduous undertaking to accompany me. It has supplied
me, upon loan, with the sum precis ely necessary for my
voyage to this place, and no more, in order to keep me
always in dependence. Our poor backwoods are now
so miserable, that I could not have a sous (cent) given
me, neither by my brethren in the episcopacy, nor by
the priests of Kentucky or of my own Diocese. Indeed
I esteemed myself happy to borrow, without interest, of
a Catholic layman, the sum of about five hundred francs
(one hundred dollars), now almost exhausted.

“ I am really sorry, my dear sir, that you cannot con-
veniently join and accompany me to Rome. My object
in going is to resign, if allowed, my dignity to better

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET,

221

hands and superior heads ; if not allowed, to beg for
means of subsistence, and all necessary supplies for the
mission, especially funds to build a church in Cincin-
nati, and to pay for the lot I have purchased. I have
already raised for my cathedral at present, a wooden
chapel, fifty feet by thirty. I had not then a eovs of
money, — all has been done on credit ; and a great por-
tion of the expenses remains still to be paid for. The
object of my journey is also to procure means for secur-
ing, in the vicinity of my episcopal town, the domain
of a small tract of land, and a large convenient house,
well calculated for a seminary. * * * Moreover, I

wish to obtain a Bishop for Detroit, and a Coadjutor for
myself, and some good divines, in case my resignation
be not accepted.

“ I wish you, also, my dear sir, to contribute your
mite towards relieving my distresses. I mean, and beg,
that you draw up and have printed a short and clear
description of my condition, of the extent and wants of
my Diocese, of the number and scattered situation of
the poor Catholics, &c. When I came first to the State
of Ohio, nine years ago, I discovered only three Catho-
lic families from Limestone (Maysville,) to Wheeling.
Now the State contains not less than eight thousand.*
There are also ten or twelve thousand in Michigan.
Moreover, there are in Ohio two thousand Indians, liv-
ing on the Seneca River, some of whom are Catholics,
and those are obliged to cross Lake Erie, to reach Mal-
den and Sandwich in Canada, in order to have their
children baptized, and their marriages celebrated by a

* He means, no doubt, Catholics — not families.

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222 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Catholic priest. In the wilderness watered by the San-
dusky river, there are two settlements of white people,
one of Catholics, and the other of Methodists, upon the
two opposite sides of the river. I intend, if possible,
to have two missionaries, traveling continually from
place to place, especially devoting their labors and ser-
vices among the Indians. * * *

u I think we may count two or three hundred converts
since I reside in Ohio. Five wooden churches are ac-
tually built, and four more are building. The popula-
tion of Ohio, according to the last census, is six hun-
dred thousand souls. Catholics are to be found in eve-
ry county ; and I have met with many Germans and
Swiss. I offer to God many prayers for some zealous
and disinterested German priests. I say disinterested,
for all missionaries must depend entirely upon divine
Providence. Although a Bishop, I have no revenue
but the rent of twenty-five or thirty pews in the Cincin-
nati chapel, which produce, at most, a yearly income of
eighty dollars.

“ You know a little of my exertions, sacrifices, and
labors in Kentucky : that I devoted my whole paternal
estate, and all I could collect, scrape up and save ; that
I debarred myself of comforts and even of necessaries ;
that I undertook long and painful jaunts to found and
promote the establishment of St. Rose ; and behold I
am now deprived of all right and claim on the Order ;
being taken out of it — assumptus ex ordine in episco-
patum ! I was obliged by my rule and vows to render
an account of all property, even of books and furniture,
that I had been allowed to use.

u When 1 took possession of the Diocese, I had to

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGS?*

rent a house to live in, and to send to market for the
first meal we took in the episcopal town — no provision

whatever having been made for the maintenance of the
Bishop. I had not a sous , but what the good people of
St. Rose’s congregation in Kentucky had given me by
subscription, — four or five hundred dollars in paper
monejf, which was depreciated to one half in the Ohio
State.

u I had but six congregations, when, eighteen months
ago, I first went to reside in Cincinnati ; and now there
are twenty-two, at least, that I have visited. * *

u You will conceive how great is the want of mission-
aries in my extensive Diocese, when you learn that I
possess only seven priests, and have neither, seminary,
professors, nor schools. The Rev. Messrs. Hill and
Stephen Montgomery, O. S. D., are charged with the
western congregations and all scattered Catholics as far
as Vevay in the Indiana,* Fort St. Mary’s, Lake Erie,
Chilicothe, &c. Rev. Mr. Young, my nephew, and two
confreres ordained by me, extend their rides and mis-
sionary duties in the East to Marietta, St. Clairville,
New Lisbon, &c.” f

The truly apostolic prelate unconsciously paints
himself in this simple, but highly interesting letter.
So much devotedness, and so unwavering a reliance on
Providence, could not fail of drawing dowm the divine
blessing. Father Badin complied with his request, and
published in Paris a statement comprising the above

* In virtue of an arrangement with Bishop Flaget, under whose
jurisdiction Indiana was placed.

f Republished, from the London Spectator, (vol. i. p. 350, seqq.)
in the U. S. Catholic Magazine, (vol. vi. p. 29, seq.,) for 1847.

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224 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

details and making an earnest appeal to the benevo-
lent in favor of the destitute missions of Ohio.

Bishop Fenwick proceeded to Rome, where he was
cordially and paternally welcomed by the reigning
Pontiff, Leo XII., who generously presented him with
a splendid tabernacle, a chalice, candlesticks, and other
altar furniture for his cathedral, besides the munificent
sum of twelve thousand Roman crowns (dollars.) He
also “ directed the Cardinal Prefect of the Propaganda
to recommend him, not only to the association lately
commenced at Lyons, but also to the friends of religion
in general, and especially to those whose wealth ena-
bled them to be liberal patrons of the foreign missions.
Animated by the example of the sovereign Pontiff* and
the letters of the Cardinal Prefect, other members of
the Sacred College, especially Cardinal Fesch, uncle of
Napoleon Buonaparte, conferred on the amiable prelate
the most substantial marks of their regard for himself,
and of their sympathy for the destitution of his flock.
The king of France, and the wealthy and generous
Catholics of his kingdom, as well as those of Sardinia,
Belgium, Spain, and Germany, emulated the noble pre-
cedent thus given them in the eternal city ; and the de-
jected Bishop, who had landed on the shores of Europe
very much in the condition of ‘ the sower who had
sowed in tears,’ returned, like that sower, 4 with joyful-
ness,’ having gathered a rich harvest.” *

As we will not have occasion in the sequel to revert
to this subject, we may be permitted to furnish here
such additional details, in regard to the history of the

* From the first of three well written articles on the Missions of
Ohio, in the U. S. C. Magazine — sup. cit .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

225

Diocese of Cincinnati as may be deemed of more inter-
est, up to the death of its first Bishop in 1832.

The ample funds which the prelate collected in Eu-
rope were, immediately after his return, judiciously ap-
plied to the more pressing wants of his infant Diocese.
Among these, one of the most urgent was a cathedral
in Cincinnati. The edifice, one hundred feet long by
fifty wide, long used for this purpose,* was dedicated to
God, under the patronage of St. Peter, on the first Sun-
day of Advent, 1826. The hearts of the faithful were
filled with a holy joy, on beholding this handsome
structure, with its splendid altar furniture, reared for
the worship of the Most High ; and they contrasted it
with the humble wooden building, unfinished and un-
furnished, in which they had hitherto convened to
assist at the holy sacrifice.

New churches were soon erected in almost every
portion of the Diocese. The number of Catholics rap-
idly increased, especially in Cincinnati. This will
appear from the following statistics, belonging to the
time of the Jubilee : which was proclaimed in the cath-
edral of Cincinnati on Christmas day, 1826, and termi-
nated there on the following New Year’s day ; and was
during the ensuing year published, with most abundant
fruits, throughout the Diocese. In Cincinnati, two
hundred persons approached the holy table, during this
season of grace, in place of the eleven communicants, —
the highest number only five years previously !

The Bishop visited the whole Diocese during this
year ( 1827 ). He was preceded by two zealous mission-

* The present church of St. Xavier.

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226 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AKD

aries — the Rev. Messrs. Mullon and Young — who pre-
pared the way for the visitation. They gave retreats
in the principal congregations; and had the consolation
to find their labors crowned with the greatest success.
In Lancaster there were sixty communicants ; there
were four hundred at St. Joseph’s, forty at St. Barna-
bas, ninety in Zanesville, fifty at St. Dominic’s, and one
hundred in Canton. Besides the reclaiming of many
hardened sinners, numerous converts were every where
received into the Church.*

We have already spoken of Father Hill. Another
zealous Dominican, a native of Spain, deserves special
mention, as one of the most laborious and efficient early
missionaries of Ohio. The Rev. Raphael Munos, in
1824, obtained permission from his superior, and from
the Prefect of the Propaganda, to attach himself to the
Diocese of Cincinnati. For several years he devoted
himself to this arduous mission, with a zeal truly apos-
tolic. He spared no labor nor pains in instructing the
ignorant. He was the father of the poor. After an
absence of two or three years in Kentucky, whither he
was sent to be prior of St. Rose’s convent, he returned
to Cincinnati ; where he died in the midst of his labors,
July 18, 1830, in the fifty-second year of his age. He
was a doctor of divinity, and was associated with Fath-
er Hill in the office of Yicar General of the Diocese. f

Bishop Fenwick passed none of his time in idleness.
For him the sweetest recreation consisted in the dis-
charge of laborious missionary duty. Every where he
appeared at the head of his clergy, animating their zeal,

* Second paper in U. S. C. Magazine — sup . cii.

t Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 227

even more by his example than by his simple but elo-
quent words, glowing, as they were, with the love of
God and of the neighbor. His visitation extended ito
Michigan and the North-western territory. Here he
felt as much at home, while dwelling amidst the wig-
wams of the savages, as when sojourning among the
more polished inhabitants of the towns. Whithersoev-
er he went, he was received with a hearty welcome; and
he labored with the zeal of an apostle. The Indians
loved and revered him, as a father. God consoled hie
paternal heart, by the numerous conversions and the
abundant harvest of souls he failed not to gather, in
every town and village of his extended charge.

Ak Detroit, he had the happiness to embrace that
venerable pioneer missionary of Michigan, — the Rev.
Gabriel Richard ; who had been stationed there, as res-
ident pastor, since 1799. After thirty-three years of ard-
uous missionary toil, this indefatigable apostle of the
North and Northwest, died, like a good soldier, at hispost.
In. September, 1832, he was attacked with the cholera,
while attending his parishioners who were seized with
this terrible disease ; and after receiving the last rites
of the Ghuroh, he calmly expired on the 13th of that
>month« He iwent to receive the reward of his labors in
heaven.

The first JBishop of Cincinnati was destined to follow
in his foot-steps, and to fall, like him, a victim of char-
ity. He also died of the effects of cholera, while en-
gaged in his visitation ; which his zeal would not per-
mit him ito interrupt, though he felt that the. seeds, of
death were already sown in his system. He had been
taken ill at Sault St. Marie ; but, continuing his jour-

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228 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

ney, he died at Wooster, on the 25th of September,
1832. He had said Mass and written two letters on the
previous day. At his death, the number of Catholics
in his Diocese was estimated at nearly forty thousand ;
many of whom were converts.

We will close this Chapter with a few examples illus-
trating a distinguished trait in the character of our
holy prelate, — his love for his priests. He always
viewed them with a tenderness of feeling equal to that
which a parent exhibits towards his children. He re-
joiced in their success, and wept with them in their
affliction. In time of sickness, he was, as often as pos-
sible, at their bed-side, discharging all the duties of a
tender nurse. And yet, in cases of sacerdotal delin-
quency, fortunately of very rare occurence, he could
wield the rod of discipline, though it pained him to
do so even more than it did the objects of his just
chastisement.

In July, 1820, the Rev. Mr. Abell was grievously
sick in Breckenridge county, and his dangerous illness
was lingering. The Bishop immediately left all things,
-and flew to his succor. He remained with him for six
weeks, affording him every possible consolation and
service, and, as he tells us, feeling as much agony in
his sufferings as the patient himself.* At length, to
the inexpressible joy of the prelate, Mr. Abell, whose
case had been pronounced desperate by the physicians,
slowly recovered.

Another instance is exhibited, in his attendance on
the Rev. M. Hosten, a young Belgian priest of great
promise, whom he had recently ordained. In this case,

* Journal — ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BI8HOF FLAQET.

229

however, to his unutterable grief, the patient died.
Rev. M. Hosten was ordained September 24, 1820,

with several others ; and in June of the following year,
he was destined for the mission of Louisville, of which
place he was the first resident pastor. He was installed
in his new mission by the Bishop himself, on the 17th
of August.

But the ways of God are inscrutable. This zealous
clergyman had scarcely entered upon his missionary
duties, when he was suddenly called away from this
world. Having left all to follow Christ, he was proba-
bly already ripe for heaven. While devoting himself
day and night to the visitation of those sick with the
prevailing typhoid fever, he caught the disease him-
self, and died of it, on the 30th of October following.
The Bishop was with him for several days before his
death, attending to all his wants, and solacing his
soul with the last sacraments, as a preparation for eter-
nity.

Several years later, he fulfilled the same office of pa-
rental nurse towards the Rev. M. Derigaud. This
worthy priest had come to America with the Bishop in
1810 ; and on their arrival in Kentucky in the follow-
ing year, he had entered the seminary. Though then
thirty years of age, he completed his studies, and was
ordained January 1, 1817. He was employed on the
missions, ‘and in the college of St. Joseph; was, for a
time, superior of the preparatory seminary at St. Thom-
as ; and finally presided over the new brotherhood, es-
tablished by the Bishop in 1826.

In the spring of the ensuing year, he removed with
the brothers, about eight in number, to St. Bernard’s,

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

in Casey county. His health having been long delicate,
he did not survive many months.

The Bishop, who loved him tenderly, was inconsola-
ble at his dangerous illness. Earnestly did he pray for
his recovery, should such be the holy will of God. He
went to see him, and remained with him till he breathed
his last. He then had his remains removed to St.
Thomas’ ; where they were solemnly interred.

In his Journal, the Bishop has written a high eulogy
of this good priest, saying, that he had never in his
whole life given him a moment’s trouble or uneasi-
ness.*

To secure a support for his missionaries in their old
age, the Bishop once proposed a plan, which the event
proved was impracticable. It was, that his clergy
should hold all things in common, like religious orders ;
and that the superabundance of some should supply the
wants of others.*)*

We close this Chapter with an extract from the holy
prelate’s Report to the Pontiff in 1836, which will be
found to bear upon our present subject :

44 1 come now to speak of my clergy. Oh ! may
God bless them ! May he bless their continual sac-
rifices and generous devotedness, without which
there would be nothing remaining of all that now
exists in my Diocese ! But, alas ! these young
priests, whom I love as myself ; these priests so
zealous and so charitable, become soon exhausted ;
on them old age and infirmities come prematurely —

* Journal, Jan. 17, 1322. He had always given him satisfaction,
“ Sam une melange d’amerturtie.”
t Ibid. Conference, Sep. 2, 1822.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT.

231

the evident result of their long journeys and painful
missions ^ already many are enfeebled, and are left
almost without resource. Whither will they go, after
labors so glorious ? Alas ! I know not ; and this it
is which causes my desolation I ”

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CHAPTER X.

VISITATIONS — ADMINISTRATION — NEW BISHOPRIC8.

1 8 1 9 — 1 826 .

Pastoral solicitude — In ccelo quies — Journey to Vincennes — Amu-
sing incident — Visit to Tennessee — Religious statistics — Preach-
er Vardiman — Protestant liberality — Dressing a preacher —
Another journey to Vincennes — Administration — Clerical re-
treats and conferences — Loving the laws of the Church — Matri-
monial dispensations — Public penance — Two anecdotes — Recon-
ciling enmities — Management of temporals — Two visits by
Bishop Dubourg — Correspondence on new bishoprics — At St.
Louis and Pittsburgh — Dr. Gallitzin — New Archbishopric in the
West — Bishops of Boston and of New York — Bishop Dubourg
leaves America — His character — The Propagation of the Faith —
Inglesi.

The solicitude of all the churches weighed heavily
on the mind of Bishop Flaget. No sooner does he re-
turn from one journey, than he is compelled to start
out on another. Repose — he looked for none this side
of heaven. His motto was: In ccelo quies — In heaven
rest.

Our limits will not permit us to enter into all the
details of his numerous visitations ; nor would this be
either useful or interesting to our readers. From some
remarks already made on the subject in a previous
Chapter, we may be able to estimate the general char-
acter of those episcopal missionary excursions. They

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

were all much alike ; animated by the Bame devoted
zeal, and ntter disregard of every personal comfort.

But our narrative would be incomplete, without
some mention of the longer and more important jour-
neys, which the Bishop performed for the visitation of
his still immense Diocese. Hence we shall, in the
present Chapter, give a brief account of an excursion
he made to Tennessee in 1821 ; and of two journeys
to Vincennes in 1819 — 1828: — taking them up in the
order of time. *

Though Bishop Dubourg had sent two priests to
Vincennes in 1818, yet this was understood as only
a temporary accommodation ; and the Bishop of Bards-
town was still charged with the missions of Indiana.
The last priest from the Diocese of New Orleans, who
labored in this State, was the Rev. M. Dahmen; and
he was withdrawn November 1, 1821.* The Bishop,
as we shall see, was reduced to great straits in provi-
ding a pastor for Vincennes.

On the 19th of November, 1819, the Bishop started
for Louisville, on his visitation to Indiana. He was
accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Abell, lately ordained.
On the 22d, he left New Albany, and on the 25th, we
find him at Washington ; where there were then only
twelve or fifteen Catholic families, including those in
the neighborhood. He was in Vincennes on the foL
lowing day, and remained there till the 6th of Decem-
ber. He here divided his time between the settlement
of temporal affairs, and the usual duties of the holy
ministry. Rev. Mr. Abell preached several times, to
the great delight and edification of the English portion

* Journal — Ibid .

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234 SKETCHES 09 THE LIFE, TIMES AND

of the inhabitants. Having given confirmation, the
Bishop started for home, by the way of Princeton,

Evansville, and the lower part of Kentucky. He does
not give us any information concerning Evansville ;
but at Princeton, he found a few Catholics, whose faith
was very weak.

A ludicrous incident occurred during this or a sub-
sequent journey through Indiana, which we may as
well relate in this place. It may serve to amuse our
readers, to indicate the social progre^fe of Indiana at
that early period, and to relieve somewhat the heavier
topics treated of in these Sketches.

The Bishop and Mr. Abell put up for the night at a
way-side house of entertainment, which was a one
story log cabin, with a garret, or loft , approached by a
ladder. The prelate and his companion lodged in this
garret, the floor of which was covered with loose
boards ; while the family and some wagoners occupied
the lower room. The Bishop had an alarm-watch, and
he set it so as to go off at four o’clock, — his usual hour
for rising. In the morning the watch created quite an
alarm among the occupants of the lower floor. Sev-
eral sprang to their feet in fright ; when a more know-
ing, or a more drowsy wagoner calmed them, with the
complimentary explanation: u Lie still, you fools! it

is only the old priest’s watch which has busted /” *

On this journey he also visited Harmony, Indiana,
then flourishing under the administration of the found-
er, Mr. Rapp. He lamented that so much industry
and energy were wasted on objects — to say the least —

* It is almost needless to say, that this anecdote is not found in
the Bishop’s Journal.

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CHARACTER OF BI&HOP FLAOET. %S5

of a merely temporal nature.* It was afterwards sold
to Owen, who organized there a society from which
Religion, individual property, and indissoluble mar-
riage were excluded. When the Bishop passed by the
place ten years later, the establishment had been broken
up : f — so true is it, that civilized society cannot sub-
sist, without having Religion as its basis.

On the eve of Christmas day, the Bishop reached
Bardstown; and he celebrated a grand Pontifical Mass
in his cathedral on that great festival of the Church.

In March, 1820, Rev. MM. Nerinckx and Chabrat
started for Europe ; and the Bishop being compelled to
take charge of many of their congregations during
their long absence, as he had previously done during
the first journey of M. Nerinckx, could not find time
to leave Kentucky in the course of this year. His
time was incessantly employed in discharging the
duties of an ordinary missionary.

When Bishop David was preparing for his discussion
with the Presbyterian preacher Hall, early in the fol-
lowing year, Bishop Flaget ordered public prayers to
be offered up in the cathedral congregation, to obtain
victory for the truth ; and also as some reparation for
the blasphemies, which would no doubt be uttered by
the preacher against holy persons and things, especially
against the Blessed Sacrament.J

Tennessee was a portion of his Diocese, which he
had never as yet been able to visit. As there were but
few Catholics therein, he had delayed visiting them,
until other and more pressing calls would be met. F.

* Journal, 1819. f Ibid , 1829.

J Ibid., January, 1821.

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236 SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Badin had already made four missionary excursions to
this State. #

In the beginning of May, 1821, the Bishop set out
on this journey, and proceeded by the way of Breckin-
ridge county, in order to take with him the Rev. Mr.
Abell, who was there stationed. They said Mass in
Litchfield on the 7th, and on the 8th they were in
Bowlinggreen, where they found but five Catholics.
They reached Nashville on the 10th, and put up with
a M. Mont Brun, a Frenchman, who received them
with tears in his eyes. On the following day, the first
Mass that was ever offered up by a Bishop in Tennes-
see, was celebrated by our prelate, in the house of his
entertainer. The Blood of the Lamb, now mystically
shed on the holy altar, made a potent appeal in behalf
of that infant mission.

The total number of Catholics in Nashville and
vicinity did not exceed sixty ; f and there were not,
perhaps, half as many more in all the rest of the State.
The prospects for soon establishing a congregation here,
were certainly not very flattering. The Catholics were
both few and poor. Yet the Bishop was not dishear-
tened, and he resolved to make the experiment.

What was his joy, when he found that his proposal
was most favorably entertained, even by the first Pro-
testant citizens of the place ! A liberal subscription
was taken up, signed by Protestants as well as Catho-
lics. A lot for a church, 70 by 100 feet, was offered
by a Mr. Foster, grand master of the Masons. The

* This fact he states himself in a marginal note to Bishop Fla-
get’s Report to the Pope in 1836.

f Journal, May 20.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

287

Protestants of the city vied with one another in show-
ing every polite attention to the Bishop and his com-
panion. The late Hon. Felix Grundy, and his amiable
family, are gratefully mentioned by the prelate in his
Journal. He was even invited to take tea with a Pres-
byterian preacher named Campbell.

Many of the first families attended Mass; and a
large and intelligent concourse were assembled every
evening at the court house, to hear the sermons of the
Rev. Mr. Abell. They listened with profound atten-
tion to his eloquent exposition and defence of the
Catholic doctrine, on confession, on baptism, and on
several other points little understood among Protes-
tants.

The notorious Baptist revivalist — Yardiman — was in
Nashville at the time; and he took the alarm. He
even went so far as to give notice, that he would hold
forth in the court house on an evening, when it was
known that Mr. Abell was engaged to preach therein.
The stratagem did not, however, succeed; his friends
prevailed on him not to attempt preaching, as great
public indignation, already partially aroused by his at-
tempt, would be likely to break upon his head, in such
a manner as to injure both himself and his sect.

The Rev. Mr. Abell also preached in Franklin, Ten-
nessee, where there was one Irish Catholic family ; and
in Columbia, where he made a triumphant answer to a
preacher, who had grossly attacked the Catholic Reli-
gion. A sermon he delivered in the latter place, on
the real presence, made a great impression ; and sev-
eral Protestant lawyers, and others in the place, made
him a present of money and a new suit of clothes, in

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Q88 SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AND

consideration of the very handsome manner in which
he had dressed the preacher, who appears to have been
both ignorant and unpopular.*

On the journey, the Bishop served Mr. Abell’s Mass,
and they mutually went to confession to each other.
They departed for home on the 27th of May.

M. Chabrat returned from Europe, July 18th, 1821,
bringing with him M. Champomier for the seminary,
some young novices for the religious life, and the bell,
weighing about one thousand three hundred pounds,
destined for the cathedral. M. Nerinckx returned in
the following December, with ten novices for Loretto,
some superb paintings tor the cathedral, and a number
of other articles for the convents and for the missions.
His return was hailed with great joy by his congrega-
tions, and by* the sisterhood which he had founded nine
years previously. During the absence of these two
missionaries, the Bishop frequently attended sick calls
at a great distance ; often as far as Louisville, where,
for some time after the death of M. Hoeten, there was
no stationed pastor.

M. Champomier was ordained March 20th, 1823;
and two months later he was sent to Yincennes. He
was the first priest from the Diocese of Bardstown,
who resided permanently in Indiana.

In August, 1823, the Bishop, after having visited
with Mr. Abell all the missions lying in the lower part
of Kentucky, went again to Yincennes, to settle every

* His name was McOonieo. While he was in the midst of his
harangue against the Catholics, Mr. Abell arrived, and gavn notice
that he would answer him that evening. The sum presented him
was two hundred dollars.

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OBABA0TKB OF BISHOP FLAQKT. 039

thing connected with the resideno? there of the ne*wljy
appointed pastor. In going and returning^ he visited
Mt. Pleasant, where he confirmed thirty4*oor persons;
also the town of Washington, and two French settle-
ments on the Wabash. He returned in Oetober, re-
porting that the people of Vincennes ardently desired
to have amongst them an establishment of Sisters, to
conduct a school.*

On the 12th of August, 1824, that devoted mission-
ary, M. Nerinckx, died, in the midst of his apostolic
labors, at St. Genevieve, Missouri; whither he had
igone to establish branch houses of his sisterhood. He
• calmly breathed his last in the arms of the Rev. M.
Dahtnen, who had a few hours before administered to
him aff the last Sacraments. He contracted the fever
wb^eh terminated in his death by exposure to the hot
sun, while attending a small settlement of Catholics,
about fifteen miles from St. Genevieve, who had* not
seen a priest for two years. He died like a good sol-
dier, at his post; and he was no doubt u ripe for
heaven.” f

The Bishop was greatly affected by the intelligence.
He delivered in the cathedral a glowing eulogy of the
<good missionaiy’s life, and held him up as a model of
every virtue. Some years previously, he had recorded
the following estimate of the character of the deceased,
in his Journal :

“If the good M. Nerinckx had done nothing else,

* Letter to Bishop David from Union county, Kentucky, Octo-
ber, 1823.

f From Bishop Flagetfs Letter to Bishop England, published in
the U. S. Catholic Miscellany. December 8, 1824.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

but to establish the sisterhood of Loretto in this coun-
try, nothing more would have been necessary to assure
him of salvation at the moment of death. But when
we add to this the immense labors of his apostolate, it
is then that we are led to bless Thee, O Lord, for rais-
ing up such men in these unhappy times, to serve as
models for their cotemporaries.” *

Those who are acquainted with the multiplied cares
and constant solicitude attendant on the episcopal
office, especially in this country, may form some idea
how arduous is an administration, which embraces so
many subjects, both spiritual and temporal ; and which
has to deal with so many persons of different, and often
incompatible, dispositions and temperaments. When
we add to all this, the extreme nervous susceptibility
of Bishop Flaget, and that exquisite delicacy of feeling
which made it most painful to him to wound, in the
slightest degree, the feelings of others, even in the
necessary discharge of duty; we will still be better
able to appreciate the sufferings he must have endured
in administering a Diocese, where every thing was to
be formed, and where the materials for the work were
often rude and unpolished. From what has been inci-
dentally stated in previous Chapters, some opinion may
be formed of the Bishop’s administration. We propose
now to furnish a few additional facts and incidents
illustrative of the same subject.

The first care of his administration regarded his
clergy. The wish nearest to his heart was, that they
might be “ models of the flock,” and indued with all
the virtues of the apostles. The good work which was

* Journal, 1815.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

241

to extend to the farthest extremities of his Diocese,
bringing “the peace of Christ” to the hearts of men,
was to begin in the sanctuary itself. The people would
be like their priests ; and the latter should be holy, in
order that the former might become good Christians.

To secure this desirable result, he enacted a decree
in September, 1822, that the clergy of the Diocese
should meet annually in spiritual retreat ; at the close
of which, conferences would be held on various sub-
jects connected with the exercise of the holy ministry.
These retreats were often conducted by Bishop David ;
and the Bishop gave great edification, by performing all
the exercises at the head of his clergy. They produced
the most salutary results ; and the clergy went out from
them, filled with renewed zeal, courage and energy.

The first synod, or conference, held in compliance
with this decree, began at Bardstown, August 5, 1823.
Several important subjects were discussed, and some
regulations adopted for the uniform administration of
the sacraments. Though promulgated to the clergy,
these statutes were never, however, published.

At this conference, Bishop David gave an example
of candor and humility too edifying to be omitted.
Some misunderstanding having existed in regard to the
person who was expected to prepare beforehand the
matter for clerical deliberation, Bishop David thought
he had been slighted. Being naturally of a hasty tem-
perament, he had in consequence indulged in some
expressions of impatience. The fault was very slight,
and scarcely remarked by the clergy ; but on reflection,
the contrition of the humble prelate was so intense for
the scandal he thought he had given, that nothing short
16

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SKETCHES OP THE LIFE, TIMES AX D

of a public apology, made in the most ample terms be-
fore the assembled clergy, could put his conscience at
rest ! The scene was very touching, and it made a deep
impression.

Bishop Flaget loved the laws of the Church, and
sought to have them every where respected. Nothing
gave him more pain, than to see any of those holy regu-
lations of discipline neglected or violated by Catholics.
He granted matrimonial dispensations with great reluc-
tance and sorrow ; and when circumstances sometimes
compelled him to concede them, he did it with fear and
trembling; ejaculating on such occasions: “Give me

strength, O my God, to resist such violent and impor-
tunate demands: — happy, a thousand times happy, are
those who have to give an account only of themselves ! ” *

He was much distressed at finding so many persons,
who wished to marry before making their first commu-
nion ; f and he most cordially hated mixed marriages,
on account of the evils usually following them. “ II*
there is so much disorder on the earth, it is because
there is not, perhaps, one marriage in a thousand which
is in accordance with the will, and, above all, the
spirit of God.” |

Upon those who married out of the Church, he usu-
ally imposed a public penance, more or less severe.
Assisting a sick man who had married his first cousin
without a dispensation, he required from him,— among
other things laid down as a condition for absolution,—
a promise to do public penance on his recovery, and to
ask pardon publicly for the scandal he had given. *

On occasion of an application for a dispensation in

— —

* Journal, January 7, 1816. f Ibid — 1815. J Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

243

this same degree of kindred, he breathed the following
prayer, which came warm from his heart: u Vouch-

safe, O my God, to enlighten me, that I may do nothing
to weaken the discipline of the Church : my only de-
sire is, to be a conscientious depository of faith and dis-
cipline, in order to be found after my death among the
faithful servants.” * This application troubled him so
far, as to make him sick, f

Called to visit a sick drunkard, he induced him: 1.
To beg pardon for his excesses ; 2. To promise to do
public penance on recovery; 3. To permit him (the
Bishop) publicly to beg pardon, in his name, of the
congregation which he had scandalized; 4. To pay his
salary, which he had neglected; and 5. To be recon-
ciled to his wife, whom he had ill-treated. J
He admired greatly the simple, solemn, and impres-
sive music of the Gregorian chant; and feared lest it
might not be sufficiently appreciated after his death:
u After the death of the two Bishops, it is to be feared
that English and worldly airs will take the place of the
the grave Gregorian chant.” §

His sternness and severity were only occasional ; the
habitual feature in his administration, as in his charac-
ter, was the greatest mildness, sweetness, and charity
to all persons, no matter how humble or disagreeable.
He strove earnestly, with the apostle, to make himself
u all to all, to win all to Christ.”

He had a happy tact for spiritual direction, and could
give an advice disagreeable to nature in the most pleas-
ant manner imaginable. The following incident, which

* Journal, January 22, 1816. f Ibid,
t Ibid — March 1, 1816. \ Ibid— March 1825.

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244 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

he often related, may serve as an instance of this trait
of character:

Among his penitents was a very pious and discreet
lady, who aspired to high perfection. She found the
holy prelate too mild and indulgent, and often begged
him to impose on her heavier penances. She frequent-
ly addressed him in these words: u Father, try me! ”

The Bishop said nothing; but some time afterwards,
being in need of a suitable veil for the chalice, he pur-
chased the silk, and requested the lady to make it up
according to his directions. She joyfully undertook to
perform this service, and in a few days brought him the
veil prepared in the very best style. She expected a
compliment for her diligence and skill in needle-work;
but what was her surprise when she saw the prelate re-
ceive the article with coldness, and even an air of suspi-
cion ! After having carefully examined and measured the
cloth, he turned to her, and coolly asked : “ Madam ! is

this all ? I purchased such an amount of silk ; is it all
here ? ” Her face reddened in an instant, and she ex-
claimed, in evident passion: u Do you take me for a

thief?” The prelate hereupon laughed outright; and,
with an arch expression of graceful sweetness, rejoined,
imitating her tone : “ Father ! do try me ! ” The lady

immediately understood the rebuke ; and she no doubt
derived profit from the severe trial, which proved to her
conclusively that she had not as yet attained to perfec-
tion.

We may as well relate here another anecdote, which
will show that the prelate had frequently need of both
gravity and patience in his administration :

An old lady, over whom more than sixty summers

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT.

245

had passed, once applied to him for advice in a matter
of grave importance. She had received a proposal of
marriage, and she wished to know how she should act
on an occasion so critical ! Having listened patiently
to her case, the Bishop promptly advised her to reject
the offer, and to spend her remaining days in prepara-
tion for death, which could not be far distant. He en-
tered into an elaborate argument to convince her of the
soundness of his advice; and as she heard him with
seeming attention and interest, he entertained hopes
that he had succeeded. At the close of his discourse,
the aged lady rose abruptly from her seat, and turning
to him, replied rather sharply: u If such be your ad-

vice, I shall not follow it!” She hastily withdrew,
leaving the prelate in a curious state of suspense be-
tween laughter and annoyance at her strange behavior.
She married in effect; but early in the morning after
her espousals, she was astonished to find that her hus-
band had escaped with one of the finest horses in her
stable! He and the steed were never heard of after-
wards ; and the good lady had abundant leisure to be
convinced that the Bishop had given her good advice.*

He was often eminently successful in healing divi-
sions and reconciling inveterate enmities. His patience
and sweetness on these trying occasions won the hearts
of the litigants, and they placed themselves entirely in
his hands, to be moulded like wax. We will present
one or two examples of this.

In 1817, he went to Scott county, chiefly to settle a
long-standing dispute and enmity between two of the

* This anecdote was related by the prelate himself, in his own
happy manner, which we regret we cannot better imitate.

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246 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

principal heads of families in the congregation ; which
had been much diseditied and agitated bj this unseem-
ly quarrel. On arriving, he and Father Badin were
engaged for two whole weeks in examining facts and
papers on both sides, without coming to any satisfac-
tory result. The disputants seemed farther than ever
from an accommodation. At last, one of them re-
marked, with some bitterness of tone, that “He wished
he had burned all his papers, and never brought up the
matter for adjudication.”

The Bishop seized eagerly on the hint, and at once
earnestly exhorted them both to burn their papers, and
to forget the past. They could not resist his touching
appeal, uttered with 60 much fatherly feeling; they
immediately promised to act on the advice. The next
morning, the Bishop said Mass in the house of one of
these men, the other being present. One of them was
placed to the right, and the other to the left of the
altar; and before the communion, the Bishop turned
roun l and addressed them one of his most fervid ex-
hortations. After Mass, the papers were solemnly
burned ; the two enemies shook hands ; and the feud
was terminated, — much to the joy and edification of
all present, many of whom could not restrain their
tears.*

In 1823, another angry discussion arose in the same
congregation, in regard to the management of the
church land and property. The Bishop visited the
place, accompanied by M. Chabrat. At first, he was
insulted by different persons, who wrote him imperti-
nent letters. But by mildness, combined with firm-

* Journal, March 7, 1817.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET,

247

ness, he soon overcame every obstacle; the whole
congregation consented to the arrangement, settled by
writings, by which the Bishop was recognized as the
sole manager of the property, with the right to appoint
an agent. Some persons who had threatened to de-
mand back the money they had subscribed for the
church and land, burned their papers, *and agreed to
the adjustment. #

It may be remarked here, en passant, that this con-
gregation, once the most flourishing in the Diocese in
point of numbers and wealth, has since, by emigration
to other parts of the State and to Missouri, so far
dwindled down, that it is now one of the smallest.
God did not bless the spirit of dissension which had in
early times been there so often exhibited.

A similar difficulty, which was, however, soon sup-
pressed, manifested itself about the same time in the
congregation of Holy Cross, — the oldest in the State.
Here a small, but clamorous portion of the congrega-
tion made the absurd demand on the Bishop, that the
people should be permitted to elect an overseer for the
farm, and that the latter should be empowered to nom-
inate the pastor 1 The Bishop did not yield to indig-
nation; but by mildly stating the absurdities of the
suggestion, the disaffected were won over; and peace
again reigned in the congregation.

For the management of temporalities, the Bishop
adopted the plan of appointing himself certain pious
and respectable members of each congregation to act
as trustees ; or, as was oftener the case, of sanctioning
the appointment of persons selected for this office by

* Journal, February 1823.

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8KETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the local pastors. These trustees had no control over
their clergyman ; but they were expected to relieve
him of the disagreeable office of asking for his own
support, and of all anxiety about temporal affairs.

The church property was deeded to the Bishop, in
trust, for the use and benefit of each particular congre-
gation; and subsequently a charter of incorporation
was obtained from the Legislature, allowing the Bishop
to transmit such trust property, and also real estate
owned by himself in fee simple, to his successors in
office.*

As was stated in the previous Chapter, Bishop Fla-
get, as early as December, 1819, had begun a corres-
pondence with Bishop Dubourg on the subject of new
episcopal sees at Cincinnati, Detroit, and Vincennes.
The only result of this correspondence was the appoint-
ment of Father Fenwick to Cincinnati. The chief
difficulty consisted in finding suitable candidates. The
subject was renewed in 1822. In July of this year,
the Bishop of Bardstown received a letter from Bishop
Dubourg, who “was in great humor to make new
Bishops; ”f proposing one for St. Louis, one for Vin-
cennes, and another for Florida. This prelate paid
Bishop Flaget a visit in Kentucky during the following
September ; and they conferred together at length on
the subject of the new bishoprics, and On other matters
of importance. J

Shortly after the departure of his venerable friend,
Bishop Flaget wrote to Rome, asking a Bishop for De-
troit, and requesting the Holy Father to assign the
missions of Illinois to Bishop Dubourg, land those of

* In 1842. f Journal — Ibid. 1 Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

249

Indiana to Bishop Fenwick, until permanent arrange-
ments could be made for them. For reasons with
which we are unacquainted, this application was un-
successful. Rome acts slowly and warily, and only
after a thorough knowledge of the whole merits of the
case. The see of Detroit was not erected until more
than ten years afterwards, and that of Vincennes at a
still later period. The Bishop was compelled to bear
for many years longer a responsibility, the extent and
amount of which, he felt, were too great and too much
for any one man.

In January, 1823, our prelate was cheered by a visit
from the new Bishop of Cincinnati, with whom he con-
ferred on the state of the Ohio missions, already pre-
senting a flattering aspect. In the April following, he
had another visit from Bishop Dubourg, to meet whom
he went to Louisville. Here the Bishop of New
Orleans preached to a large audience in the court
house, on the interpretation of scripture and confes-
sion ; much to the joy of the Catholics, and the edifi-
cation of the Protestants. On his return to St. Louis,
the prelate took with him additional sisters from Loret-
to, for the establishment lately erected at Bethlehem.
The Rev. D. Mulholland was then pastor of the congre-
gation in Louisville.

In December of this year (1823), the Bishop received
the joyful intelligence, that Dr. Joseph Rosati had
been named Coadjutor of the Bishop of New Orleans ;
and that after the lapse of three years, the Bishop elect
would be transferred to St. Louis, as the first Bishop of
that city. The intelligence was subsequently confirm-
ed. Dr. Rosati was consecrated Bishop of Tenagria

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250 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

and Coadjutpr of Bishop Dubourg at New Orleans,
March 25th, 1824 ; and he became Bishop of St. Louis
in 1827.

From the Bishop’s correspondence with Dr. Dubourg
we gather that it was question of proposing the erec-
tion of a new see at Pittsburgh, as early as 1825. On
tliis subject the Bishop of New Orleans writes as fol-
Iqwb:,

, “ Should you judge it opportune to demand the
erection of a see at Pittsburgh, embracing the territory
bordering on the Alleghany (Western Pennsylvania)
and a portion of Virginia, I will unite with you : — but
1st. You should define very distinctly the boundaries
of the new Diocese ; 2dly, The Archbishop and the
Bishop of Philadelphia, who are both interested, should
]t>e consulted, and should unite in the petition; 3dly. I
would propose the Prince Gallitzin as first on the list,
apd Mr, Maguire as second. I think the first place
due to the former, in consequence of his long and use-
ful services, and for the good he has effected in those
quarters; and because he has already a large establish-
ment which would be very useful to the new bishop-
ric.” *

We do not learn whether the application was actually
made to Borne at this time ; but we gather from a pre-
vious letter of Bishop Dubourg, that he had before
petitioned the Holy See to have Dr. Gallitzin appoin-
ted a titular Bishop (in jxirtibvA), as a mark of the
estimation in which the Holy See held his distinguished
Services and great sacrifices in the cause of Religion.f

1 '** Letter dated New Orleans, November 28. 1825.
rf Latin letter to Borne, without date, written about the year
1822.

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CHARACTER OF RISUOJ* FLAGET. 251

He had also proposed the same eminent ecclesiastic as
the first Bishop of Detroit ; though in the second place
on the list, Father Grassi having been the first.*

While on this subject of new bishoprics, we will
mention a few other facts, in which we feel the more
free, as the parties concerned are all now dead ; and,
we trust, gone to their eternal reward.

The Bishops of Bardstown and New Orleans, the
only prelates in the West and South until 1822, took a
conspicuous part in arranging the preliminaries for the
erection of new se.s and the appointment of new
Bishops, not only for this portion of the Union, but
also for the Eastern States. Though the latter prelate
was, it would appear, a man of superior talents to, and
equal address with, the former, yet he always greatly
deferred to his judgment, illumined as he knew it to
be, by his great sanctity of life and confirmed spirit of
prayer.

As early as 1819, a correspondence was opened be-
tween the two Bishops on the establishment of an
archbishopric in the West, consequent upon the erec-
tion of Cincinnati into a see. Bishop Dubourg pro-
posed that the new archiepiscopal see should be located
either at Bardstown or St. Louis. f

In the Latin Letter to Home, above quoted, he strong-
ly and most energetically urged upon the Holy See the
appointment of such persons only, for Bishops in the
United States, as were already fully acquainted with
our missions, and as would be properly recommended
by the American prelates. For the new Diocese of
St. Louis, he proposed M. Brute as the first, and M.

* Same Letter. t October 21, 1819.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Rosati as the second on the list ; and he suggested that
the new Diocese should embrace Missouri, Illinois,
and the portion of Arkansas north of the river bearing
the same name.

Not being in possession of the Letters written to
Bishop Dubourg by our prelate, we are not prepared to
say how far the latter concurred in these recommenda-
tions ; 1 which were only partially adopted by the Holy
See. He probably dissented, in part at least, from the
suggestions of his venerable colleague.

Shortly after his consecration in Rome, Bishop Du-
bourg had applied to the Holy See to dissolve the con-
nexion which bound his see to the province of Havana,
and to make him a suffragan of Baltimore. But the
application was unsuccessful ; — Rome being very slow
in changing existing arrangements.* He seems to have
remained, and to have considered himself a suffragan
of the Archbishop of Havana, 60 long as he continued
in America. As late as the spring of 1826, — a very
short time before his final departure, — : he wrote to
Bishop Flaget, expressing some surprise that he had
not been consulted in regard to the erection of the new
See Of Mobile ; but he deemed the probable reason of
the omission to have been, that he belonged to the prov-
ince of Havana. He, however, cordially approved the
appointment of Dr. Portia* ; who wa& consecrated Nov.
5, 1826. *

Bishop Flaget exerted a strong influence in having
the Rev. B. J. Fenwick, his favorite pupil at George-
town, appointed to the see of Boston, and Dr. Dubois

* Letter from Europe, written in February or March, 1816— sup.
tit.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. ^$3

to that of New York.* Bishop Dubourg dissented
from him in opinion on these nominations. He had
recommended Father Fenwick for New York, where he
thought he was much more needed, and might do far
more good than in Boston. Even after the appoint-
ment of this ecclesiastic to Boston had been made
known, he asked Bishop Flaget to unite with him in
an earnest petition to Rome, to have the new Bishop
transferred to New York ; suggesting also, that for a
time Boston might still be administered by him, until a
suitable Bishop could be chosen for that city. He
doubted whether M. Dubois, so long accustomed to col-
leges, would suit for New T York ; which required, he
thought, an American Bishop, or one whose native
tongue was English. f

In May, 1826, Bishop Dubourg left his Diocese, and

* This is still farther confirmed by the fact, that Archbishop Ma-
reehal addressed to him a letter of fraternal complaint, that he had
deprived the archdiocese of Baltimore of the services of two clergy-
men so distinguished as Drs. Fenwick and Dubois. In his answer
to the Archbishop, our prelate urges the necessity of the case, and
the general good of the Church. In the same letter, he opposes the
nomination of Dr. Chabrat to the See of Vincennes, on the ground
that he could not then dispense with his valuable services. He
concludes his letter to the Archbishop in this amiable way :

“ This is assuredly a long letter, well worthy a sexagenarian. I
have sought in it to explain my thoughts, and by no means to give
pain. Therefore, should there be in it the least thing calculated
to wound your delicacy, I disapprove of it ; for no one in the world
has for you more sincere and more true sentiments of esteem, re-
spect, and affection, than your all-devoted servant and brother,”
<fcc.

This extract, and the substance of the letter, were furnished by
the Archbishop of Baltimore.

f Letter, November 5, 1825.

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254 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

went to Europe on ecclesiastical business.* He never
returned ; but died Archbishop of Besanqon in 1833.
HiB eminent talents, his holiness of life, and his long
services on the American missions, had richly entitled
him to this promotion. He was one of the most bril-
liant ornaments of our hierarchy.

After his departure, his Coadjutor, Bishop Rosati,
administered the Diocese of New Orleans, until the
appointment of another Bishop for that city. The
Bulls, appointing him Bishop of St: Louis, and admin-
istrator of New Orleans, dated July 14, reached him
November 4, 1826.

Bishop Flaget had already written to Rome, asking
the translation of Dr. Rosati to St. Louis, and the nom-
ination of the Rev. Leo deNekere, as successor to Bish-
op Dubourg at New Orleans. Of the appointment and
consecration of the latter, we will speak more appropri-
ately in the next Chapter.

We may as well mention here, that Bishop Flaget not
only felt a lively interest in the welfare of Religion
throughout the United States, but also took an active
part in promoting it by his influence, which was con-
siderable, both at home and with the Holy See. Thus
we find that he wrote several Letters to Rome on the
Hogan case, in which he fully stated his opinion, and
advised prompt, but prudent action, to put an end to
the scandal.

We find also, that his solicitude extended occasion-

t He reached St. Louis on the eve of Ascension day, May 3,
1826. On the following day he preached ; and immediately after
Mass went to the steamboat, — to which he would permit no one to
accompany him, — on his way to France.

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP PLACET. 255

ally beyond the bounds of the Union. Thus in 1824,
the Propaganda consulted him with regard to a differ-
ence which had existed for some time between the Sul-
picians of Canada and the Bishop of Quebec.

We will close this Chapter by mentioning an inci-
dent belonging to the period of which we are writing ;
and which is sufficiently striking, as tending to show
that God not unfrequently draws goodout of evil. A man
of line address and insinuating manners, named Inglesi ,
had so far won on the confidence of Bishop Bubourg, as
to be sent to Europe by him, with full authority to solicit
contributions for his Diocese in his name. This man — a
clergyman — proved subsequently how utterly unworthy
he was of the trust reposed in him ; but while at Lyons
in 1822, he suggested the formation of a Society for the
aid of foreign missions, and he plead the cause with so
much earnestness and eloquence, that soon afterwards
the foundations were laid of that famous Association
for the Propagation of the Faith, which has since done
so much for the advancement of Religion. The pro-
ceeds of the first year’s collection, — not very large, —
were divided between China, and the Bishops of New
Orleans and Bardstown. The portion which was as-
signed to the last named prelate was six thousand eight
hundred and ninety-three francs, or about one thousand
three hundred dollars. This first distribution took
place in 1823.*

* These facts are derived from the correspondence between Bish-
ops Flaget and Dubourg.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

256

CHAPTER XI.

THE JUBILEE OF 1836-7 — THE CHOLERA — NEW COADJUTOR.

1 826 — 1 834.

Why this Jubilee was solemn— Conferences — Discomfiture of
Sneed — Effects of Jubilee — Bishop Flaget consecrates Archbish-
Whitfield, and goes to the first Provincial Council — His meeting
with Bishop England— Charles Carroll of Carrolton — The Bishop
in Court — His speech on the occasion— Offers his resignation—
Consecration of Bishop Kenrick — Bishop England in Kentucky- —
Bishop Flaget’s eloquence — He is sad — How consoled— Arrival
of the Jesuits — Meets Bishop Rosati at Vincennes — Goes to St.
Louis — His resignation accepted — Excitement jn Kentucky— He
1 is reinstated — The Cholera — His devotedness — He is seized with
the malady— His new Coadjutor consecrated — Consecration of
Bishops Purcell, Rese, Brute, Miles, and De Neckere — Anecdote
of Bishop England.

Two circumstances rendered the Jubilee of 1825-7
peculiarly impressive and solemn throughout the world ;
and one made it especially so in the Diocese of Bards-
town. Besides being proclaimed at the stated time,—
the close of the first quarter of this century, — it was
commemorative of the accession of Leo XII. to the ponti-
fical throne ; and it had, for this Diocese, the additional
attraction of novelty. It was the first occasion on which
the Catholics of the West were ever called upon to
unite with their brethren throughout Christendom in
solemn thanksgiving and prayer, and in offering a holy

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CHABACTEB OF BISHOP FLAGET. 257

violence to the throne of grace : while, by the Keys of
St. Peter, in the hands of his successor, the treasures of
the Church were freely opened to all, and the fountains
of grace were flowing abundantly into the hearts of the
fervent and the repentant. This season of benediction
marked an epoch in the history of the flock committed
to the charge of Bishop Flaget ; and its happy results
filled the heart of the holy prelate with joy and conso-
lation.

The Holy See allowed the Bishop two years for pro-
mulgating the Jubilee in the various portions of his
extensive Diocese ; while six months were allotted to
each congregation for gaining the Indulgence.

The good work began in the sanctuary. The priests
Who were to announce the blessings of the Jubilee were
themselves first to receive its fruits in their own hearts ;
that being themselves inflamed with divine charity,
they might enkindle every where that “fire which
Christ came to cast on earth.” The exercises for the
clergy began at Bards town on the 1st of September,
1826 ; and they closed on the 8th, — the feast of the Na-
tivity of the- Blessed Virgin.

On the following Sunday, September 10, the Jubilee
Waa promulgated in the cathedral. During the week
the attendance was very large, embracing Protestants
4ft Well as Catholics. Besides the usual devotional exl-
elcises ahd sermons, a method of instruction Was adop-
ted,— new in Kentucky, — which awakened great atten-
tion, and produced the most happy results. This wais
the conference between two clergymen on doctrinal and
moral subjects ; one asking questions or making objec-
tions, and the other answering them. In these confer-
17

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES A5TO

ences, at Bardstown and throughout the Diocese, the
Rev. F. P. Kenrick was generally the respondent.
This zealous clergyman was taken ill, while preaching
the Jubilee in Spencer county in October, 1820 ; and
the exercises were in consequence interrupted for several
months. Ilis illness was grievous and lingering, and
at one time it was thought to be dangerous ; but God
preserved him for greater labors.

Even if our limits permitted, it would not be neces-
sary to give in detail the various edifying facts con-
nected with the Jubilee in Kentucky. We will present
only a few incidents, and some of the general results.

In Springfield, September, 1827, the missionaries
were attacked, at the close of their conference, by the
Presbyterian minister of the town, — the Rev. Mr.
Sneed. He attempted to do away with the favorable
impression made on the Protestant mind by their lumin-
ous expositions of Catholic doctrine ; and he thought
that, by a few remarks, he would easily succeed in dem-
olishing Purgatory, and in proving that the Catholic
Church is the great apostacy foreshadowed by St. Paul I
His argument to sustain the latter position w r as singu-
lar, and we believe original : —

“ St. Paul says ‘ the mystery of iniquity already work-
eth * but you know, my friends, that Protestantism, —
in its present form and shape, — did not exist until
many centuries after his time ; therefore , he must have
meant the Catholic Church, or 4 popery,’ by the c mys-
tery of iniquity’ ” I He added that those who believed
in the doctrine of Purgatory leaned on a broken reed ;
and alleged the hackneyed argument about the tree

* II. Thessalonians, ii : 7.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLA GET.

259

falling, either to the north or to the south, and there

.lying-

Rev. Mr. Kenrick’s reply was to the point, and most
triumphant, even in the estimation of Protestants. He
took up the preacher’s admission with regard to the
modern origin of Protestantism, deducing therefrom an
unanswerable argument as to the divine character of
Catholicity, and the confessedly human invention of
Protestantism. He suggested, however, an important
amendment to Mr. Sneed’s modification, — “in its pres-
ent form and shape,” — submitting to the audience, that
the plural number would have been much more con-
formable to the truth. This opened a fine field for des-
canting on the numerous contradictions, the glaring
inconsistencies, and the endless variations of the Prot-
estant sects; proving conclusively to every impartial
mind, that Protestantism is not, and cannot be the
work of God. To the minister’s argument from the
falling of the tree, he happily rejoined, by reminding
him, that a tree, instead of always falling directly to
the ground, sometimes lodges , — according to the fam-
iliar parlance of the backwoodsmen, who formed the
bulk of the audience, — and falls finally, in the direction
in which it started, only after the interposing obstacles
are removed.

The poor preacher was so thoroughly demolished,
that on his attempting to rise again to reply, he was
literally pulled down and prevented by some of his own
party. This incident produced a great sensation at the
time, and it was long remembered ; hence we have
thought it worth preserving.

Some other rencontres of the kind took place during

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260 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the preaching of the Jubilee, with similar results.
Catholicity was every where in the ascendant, and
many Protestants joined the Church. Yet some were
rendered only the more obstinate by the manifest tri-
umphs of the truth. The Bishop records in his Jour-
nal the saying of one among them, — a Presbyterian, —
who answered the overwhelming arguments in favor of
Catholicity with the horrible remark : “ It* an angel,
descended from heaven, preached a doctrine similar to
that of the Irish priest, I would reject him ! ” *

Almost all the Catholics of Kentucky approached the
sacraments during this season of grace. The oldest
sinners were converted. Great numbers of children
were prepared for their first communion and for con-
firmation. The number confirmed was one thousand
two hundred and sixteen ; while more than six thous-
and approached the holy table. The heart of the good
Bishop was rejoiced. He says ;

“ With what pleasure have I entered on this apostolic
career 1 And if the consolations I at present feel go
on increasing, they will afford me happiness enough for
this world. I will say, with the greatest pleasure,
4 Now wilt Thou, 0 Lord, dismiss Thy servant in
peace’l at the end of the Jubilee, — provided my debts
will have been liquidated at that time.” f

Early in 1827, (January 19,) he had the happiness to
receive a visit from Bishop Rosati, who ten years before
had been an inmate of his seminary at St. Thomas’.
His respected guest remained with him for nearly two
weeks ; which were devoted to the interchange of infpr-

* Journal, September, 1827.

f Letter to M. Badin, dated September 29, 1826.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 261

mation and advice in reference to the condition of Rel-
igion in their respective Dioceses. So deeply was Bishop
Rosati impressed with the sanctity of his revered friend,
that on taking his leave he fell on his knees, and re-
fused to arise until he would receive a blessing. Bish-
op Flaget, taken by surprise, on the impulse of the
moment imitated the example of the other prelate ; and
the scene closed with a mutual benediction imparted to
each other, and a parting embrace.* To appreciate ful-
ly this incident, one must be acquainted fully with the
faith, the humility, and the child-like simplicity and
candor of these distinguished prelates.

In January of the following year (1828), Bishop Fla-
get was invited to Baltimore, to consecrate Archbishop
Whitfield. Not viewing this invitation as a mere hon-
or or compliment, but as a call made on him to dis-
charge the highest function of the episcopal office, he
at first hesitated whether he would accept. Though
his humility persuaded him that he was not worthy to
fulfil, so sublime an office, yet, upon reflection, he did
not feel at liberty to decline. He accordingly set out
for Baltimore, accompanied by the Rev. M. Evremond
Harissart; who, with his friend M.Fouche, had arrived
from France, nearly five years previously.

The consecration was set for the day of Rentecost ;
and on Ascension day Bishop Flaget entered into a re-
treat with the Archbishop elect ; in order to purify his
heart, and elevate his soul to God, in preparation for the
solemn function he was about to perform. He was con-
soled by the thought, that, eighteen hundred years be-
fore, the Apostles were engaged with the Blessed Yir-

* Journal — ib*

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

gin in a similar retreat, in order that they 44 might be
clothed with strength from on high.”

Pentecost dawned ; and with a most lively faith, and
eyes overflowing with devotion, he went to perform the
solemn ceremony which was to give a new Archbishop
to the Catholic Church in America. 44 This Sunday of
Pentecost,” he says, 44 was the most grand, the most
august, the most honorable day, that ever shone on the
Bishop of Bardstown.” # .

His numerous friends in Baltimore welcomed most
cordially the venerable prelate ; whose joy on the occa-
sion was, however, diminished by the reflection, that
so many of his old acquaintances had descended to the
tomb since his last visit. Bishop David was still an
object of constant inquiry. The arrival of the Rev. Mr
Abell from France, where he had passed the last two
years, gave him great additional satisfaction.

He made an excursion to Washington, where he vis-
ited the Jesuits, the sisters of the Visitation, and Mrs.
Mattingly, who had been recently cured by the prayers
of Prince Hohenlohe. He also called on the President
of the U. States, on Mr. Clay, and other distinguished
personages, including Madame Iturbide, ex-Empress of
Mexico ; by all of whom he was most politely received.

At Frederick, he met his old friend M. Brute; and
at Emittsburgh he was received with open arms by
many old friends. He passed several days here most
pleasantly. While visiting St. Joseph’s, the Mother
house of the Sisters of Charity, he records the to him
consoling remark, that, in many respects, his own sis-
terhood at Nazareth would not suffer by comparison
with this renowned establishment.

* Journal — ib. t Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 263 .

He returned to Baltimore ; where he informs us, his

friends were so very kind and hospitable as to give him
some uneasiness of conscience on his own account, and
in consequence of the trouble to which they so cheer-
fully put themselves for his sake. “ He felt like Dives,
passing from one feast to another.” * He celebrated
pontifically on several occasions, and Rev. Mr. Abell
preached.

At length, he tore himself away from his friends in
Baltimore, and set out for Bardstown, with some nov-
ices for Nazareth.

Soon afterwards he was called to Union county, in
the lower part of the State, on a most disagreeable
piece of business. He was summoned to appear in
Court, to give evidence in a lawsuit instituted by a Mr.
Alvey against the Rev. M. Chabrat. He had been twice
before summoned to appear in the same cause, but
had been unable to attend. The case regarded a
moneyed transaction, of which the Bishop had not
the slightest knowledge or recollection.

On his arrival at Morgan field, he was treated with
every consideration by the lawyers and the court, and
was offered a seat within the bar. The first question
put to him was : u Why did you not obey the two prev-
ious summons of the Court ? ” The Bishop rose, and
bowing to the judge, replied with calmness and dignity,
in substance as follows :

He owed it to the dignity of his own office and to
his respect for the Court before which he stood, to de-
clare, that he loved the country and respected its laws,
to be faithful to which was his pleasure as well as his

* Ibid.

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264 8KETCHJBS OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

duty: that he had, of his own proper will and choice,
adopted this government, and was therefore more of an
American than those who surrounded him ; whose
birth in the country was only the result of accident,
while he had, on the contrary, after mature delibera-
tion and reflection on the various governments of the
earth, freely sworn allegiance to this Republic at the
ripe age of thirty-four years, renouncing thereby the
government under which he was born, and electing to
live and die as a citizen of this. Being placed at the
head of a religious society, he had always considered it
a duty to preach submission to the laws, and to-day he
wished to teach this obedience by example.

Of the first summons, he had been informed but two
days before the sitting of the Court, and he could not
therefore have arrived in time, even had he made the
attempt. When the second was made known to him,
he was on the eve of a journey to Baltimore on official
duty, which he could not neglect or postpone. Now
he appeared, ready to obey the Court and to oblige the
person who had asked his evidence ; and he would not
betray his conscience for the whole world. This per-
son had given a striking proof of confidence in his
veracity; since he knew well that his (the Bishop’s)
evidence could not prove useful to his own cause, with-
out damaging that of his friend M. Chabrat.

After a few questions as to his knowledge of the
transaction in question, the Court adjourned ; and the
Bishop’s farther attendance was dispensed with, — the
assurance being given him, that his deposition would
be taken, in the event that his evidence would be again
required. He was treated by all with the greatest

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* OHABAOTEB OF BISHOP FL4GET. 265

deference, and his dignified deportment produced a
general and profound sensation.*

He visited several congregations on his return to
Bardstown; and he gave the Jubilee in Grayson and
Hardin counties, assisted by the Rev. Mr. Kenrick and
other clergymen. The exercises were every where at-
tended with the usual consoling success.

In June 1829, the Bishop started on his fifth visita-
tion to Vincennes and Indiana. He was accompanied
in this journey by the Rev. Mr. Abell, whom he in-
stalled pastor of Louisville on the way. In New
Albany, he found only five Catholic families, and
eleven more in the vicinity, — at the knobs. He offer-
ed up the holy sacrifice in a private house at New
Albany, — the first time, we believe, that Mass was ever
celebrated there, — and again in a log chapel at the
knobs. The Jubilee was promulgated throughout In-
diana on this visitation.

At Mt. Pleasant and in the neighborhood, there were
about forty Catholic families. At the Jubilee, there
were seventy communicants, and thirty-one persons
were confirmed. At Black-Oak-Ridge, forty-seven were
confirmed.

At Vincennes, the exercises continued for eight days,
the Bishop preaching daily. The fruits were very
abundant. Three hundred approached the holy table,
and ninety-two were confirmed. Rev. Mr. Abell
preached with success at Washington. Every where
he had to revalidate marriages, which were null. On
leaving, the people assembled in great numbers at his
lodgings, and received his benediction kneeling. Many

* This account is condensed from the Journal.

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266 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

accompanied him several miles of his journey, on horse-
back. He stopped at Henderson, Kentucky, and there
offered up the holy sacrifice.

In September of this year (1829), Bishop Rosati call-
ed to take him to the first Provincial Council of Balti-
more. At Cincinnati, they waited on Bishop Fenwick ;
and the three prelates proceeded in company to Balti-
more; passing through Zanesville, Wheeling, Fred-
erick, and Washington.

Bishop Flaget was much affected at once more seeing
his old friends, and still more so, on meeting his broth-
er Bishops, now assembled for the first time.

On being introduced to Bishop England, he kissed
his right hand, saying: 44 Allow me to kiss the hand

which has written so many fine things.” The Bishop
of Charleston promptly returned the salutation, observ-
ing: 44 Permit me to kiss the hands, which have done

so much good.”

He celebrated pontifically at the second session of
the Council ; he was much struck with the majesty of
the ceremonial ; and he could but contrast these happy
days with that early period in the infancy of the
Church in America, — thirty-seven years before, — when
he was first sent out to Vincennes. His heart rejoiced
at this happy commencement of ecclesiastical legisla-
tion in the province; which was owing to the sound
judgment and practical zeal of Archbishop Whitfield,
who acted, we believe, on the suggestion of Bishop
England.

At the close of the Council, the Bishops visited in a
body the venerable Charles Carroll of Carrolton, then
ninety-two years of age. The estimable survivor of that

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CHARACTER OF BTOHOP FLAGET*

267

intrepid band of patriots, who signed the Declaration of
Independence, was much affected at this delicate and
well-deserved compliment. He received the prelates
with his accustomed courtesy and grace ; and he was
much rejoiced, when now so near the close of his mor-
tal career, to see that the Church which he loved was
visibly keeping pace with the rapid improvement of the
country.

It would appear that, about this time, Bishop Flaget
entertained serious thoughts of resigning the heavy
charge which he had now borne for nearly twenty
years. That he wrote to Home, offering his resigna-
tion, and proposing an ecclesiastic of high standing as
his successor, will appear from the following incident
related in his Journal.

On the 1st of May, 1830, at nine o’clock in the eve-
ning, he received a package containing the Bulls of
the Rev. F. P. Kenrick. Knowing that this clergyman
had been proposed by the late Council to the Holy See
for the Coadjutorship of Philadelphia, he still cherish-
ed hopes that the documents contained in the unopened
parcel might nominate him to the see of Bardstown.
u With his heart bleeding,” he knelt down and breath-
ed a fervent prayer, committing the affair to God, and
resigning himself to His holy will.

His worst fears were realized : — the nomination was
for Philadelphia ! A deep gloom now came over him ;
he tried to sleep, but repose fled from his pillow. It
was only on the next evening after Vespers, — the vigil
of the feast celebrating the invention of the Holy
Cross, — that he could find courage to deliver the docu-
ments to the Bishop elect. This he did, with the sig-

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268 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

nificant remark : “Behold here the certificate of the

Cross you will have to carry ! ” *

Bishop Kenrick was consecrated by Bishop Flaget
on the 6th of June, in the cathedral of Bardstown.
There were four other prelates present : Bishops Con-
well, David, England, and Fenwick. The Bishop of
Charleston preached the consecration sermon, with his
usual ability and eloquence. Bishop Flaget was much
cheered by the presence of this eminent prelate, who
remained with him some weeks, and visited most of
his institutions. He preached every where with great
success.

After preaching at laying the corner-stone of the
new church, and for an hour and a half in the Presby-
terian meeting house, in Louisville, Bishop England
was taken ill ; and he was not able to fill the appoint-
ments, which had been made for him in Shelbyville,
Frankfort, and Lexington. His place was supplied by
the Bev. Mr. Elder ; and also by Bishop Flaget, who
preached more than once to the large audiences assem-
bled to hear Bishop England ; while he thought “ no-
body understood a word of what he said I ” j-

We may here remark, that the Bishop always placed
a much lower estimate on his sermons than any one
else. Though his pronunciation of the English was far
from being perfect, yet he was endowed with the gift
of much natural eloquence. He possessed, in a high
degree, that unction , which sweetly moves the heart.
No one could listen to his earnest appeals, and soul-

* Journal — ibid .

f This not very consoling reflection, prompted by his humility,
is duly recorded in his Journal, in loco .

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT.

269

stirring exhortations, without being deeply moved.
Few could portray more effectually the beauties of vir-
tue, and the winning sweetness of divine love: few
could make a more profound or lasting impression on
the hearts of men.

Naturally of a very tender heart and of an exquisite
nervous sensibility, he suffered much from disappoint-
ments and afflictions; and notwithstanding his habitual
faith and conformity to the divine will, he occasionally
was plunged into profound melancholy. God thus tries
his favored servants ; and in this light he accepted all
his sufferings.

Shortly after the departure of the Bishops, he was
visited by one of these fits of sadness. He felt that
his strength was fast failing him, and that he was no
longer able to bear the awful burden which had so long
rested on his shoulders. “Everybody proclaims me
the most happy Bishop of the United States,” he says,
“ on account of the number of my churches and insti-
tutions ; but God visits me with cross after cross.” *

He now wrote again to Rome, imploring the Holy
Father to accept his resignation, and appoint some one
more worthy and younger to the see of Bardstown.f

In the midst of the trials with which Providence
now permitted him to be buffeted, he entered more and
more deeply into his own heart ; and humbling himself
before God, he thought that whatever went amiss in
his Diocese was fairly traceable to his own inability,
negligence, and sinfulness. The more he reflected on
the subject, and the more he consulted with his friends
concerning his administration, the more settled became

* Journal, November, 1830. t Ibid,

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

his conviction, that he had run his episcopal career ;
and that, after twenty years of severe labor as Bishop,
God would allow him to return once more to his belov-
ed solitude, there to prepare himself for u a holy and
happy death.”

But the ways of divine Providence are not to be es-
timated by any human standard, no matter how eleva-
ted. Bishop Flaget had barely reached the middle of
his career; twenty years more were to roll over his
head as Bishop in the Diocese over which he had been
placed.

Several things cheered him amid his afflictions. His
truly Catholic heart sympathized in the joys, as well as
in the sorrows of the Church in other Dioceses. He
was delighted to learn that the firm and mild, yet
vigorous administration of Bishop Kenrick bade fair to
restore peace and order to the church of Philadelphia,
so long distracted by schism.* The intelligence of
Father Bad in’s successful labors among the Indians of
the North-west, with whom he had been a missionary for
some years, brought likewise much solace to his heart.
The conversion of the Indians had always been a favor-
ite object of his aspirations and prayers.

Another occurrence, more immediately affecting his
own Diocese, gave him much satisfaction : — the arrival,
in the month of June, 1831, of the Jesuit Fathers
Chazelle, Petit, and Ladaviere. They came from the
province of Lyons, France ; and they had been sent
out by their superior, to examine the ground, with a
view to the establishment of a Jesuit college in Ken-
tucky. The Bishop had always been much attached to

* Journal, 1831.

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OHABACTEK OF BISHOP FLAGET. 271

the order of St. Ignatius Loyola ; and he had written
to his brother in France, to say how much he would be
gratified to have a colony of the society in his Diocese.
The brother had communicated the letter to the supe-
rior at Lyons, and the result was the journey of the
Fathers just named,

Negotiations were opened to give them charge of St.
Joseph's college, but these led to no satisfactory result.
The Rev. William Byrne, the founder and president of
St. Mary’s college, after having at first opposed the es-
tablishment of the order in Kentucky with his charac-
teristic energy, now, on more mature reflection, sud-
denly changed his mind, and made a free oiler of his
institution to the Jesuit Fathers. With a generosity
which did him honor, he resigned every thing into
their hands, and even offered to assist them, until they
would be able to conduct the college entirely with their
own members. The oiler was gratefully accepted ; and
after the arrangement had been ratified at Lyons, the
Jesuits were regularly established in the Diocese. A
whole year was consumed in these negotiations.*

In 1832, the distinguished and eloquent Father
Kenny, an Irish Jesuit, arrived in the Diocese. The
Bishop prevailed on him to preach a retreat to his
clergy. The impression made by the discourses of this
truly eloquent man of God was deep and lasting. The
Bishop was much consoled, wdiile engaged in this re-
treat at the head of his clergy. At its close, he
solemnly promulgated the Decrees of the first Provin-
cial Council of Baltimore; and he insisted particularly
on the observance of certain points of discipline, which,

* Journal, 1831-2.

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272 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

amidst the difficulties and privations of the missiona-
ries, had been hitherto neglected.

Notwithstanding his repeated efforts, in conjunction
with Bishop Dubourg, to have Vincennes erected into
an episcopal see, Indiana was still without a Bishop ;
and the solicitude of its missions, now daily increasing
in importance, still devolved on himself alone. To
terminate, if possible, this state of things, he arranged
a meeting at Vincennes with Bishop Rosati, — to take
place in the fall of this year — 1832.

While awaiting the time set for his journey to Vin*
cennes, he visited the upper portion of his Diocese.
In the midst of his labors, he understood that the chol*
era had broken out with great fury at Louisville. This
dreadful scourge, then making its appearance for the
first time in the West, was much more formidable than
it became afterwards, when the minds of men grew
accustomed to its ravages. The Bishop immediately
left every thing, and hastened to Louisville, to aid in
assisting the sick and dying. Instead of yielding to
fear, he rejoiced at the occasion thus presented by Fro*
vidence for laying down his life in the holy cause of
Religion and charity. He even persuaded himself, that
his death at this time would result in benefit to the
Church, by inaugurating a better administration for his
Diocese.* But God did not demand the sacrifice, he
would so willingly have offered up.

On his arrival in Louisville, he found the reverend :
paBtor — Mr. Abell — busily engaged in his sacred func-
tions on behalf of those seized with the disease. Three
Sisters of Charity had also come from Nazareth, and

* Journal, 1832.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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volunteered their services towards the afflicted ; ready
cheerfully to lay down their lives, for the love of the
neighbor prompted by the love of God. In a few days
the malady abated ; and the Bishop returned to Bards-
town.

Late in the fall, he set out for Vincennes, where he
was welcomed by the Bishop of St. Louis. The two
prelates, after mature deliberation, agreed to propose to
the Holy See for the see of Vincennes, the learned and
pious Dr. Brut6, of Emmittsburgh. They associated
with his name, as usual, those of two others ; one of
whom,* in deference to the opinion of some other
Bishops, they, in a subsequent letter to Borne, very
strongly recommended for the same place.f The choice
of the Sovereign Pontiff, as is well known, fell upon
Dr. Brute.

This matter settled, Bishop Flaget wished to visit
the various congregations of Indiana, and then return
home. But he at length yielded to the persuasions of
Bishop Bosati, who represented that the season was too
far advanced for such a visitation, and pressed him to
pay a visit to St. Louis.

Fifteen years had elapsed since the prelate’s last visit
to this city ; and what a change had come over it in
that period ! The holy Bishop could but wonder at the
rapid improvement of the place ; and his soul overflow-
ed with joy at seeing the immense progress which Be-
ligion had made there, since the installment of Bishop

* As he is still living, we omit his name. He is a Jesuit, and an
American.

f Journal — Ibid.

18

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274 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Dubourg. The sight of so many splendid religions es-
tablishments reared up in so short a time, filled him
with admiration. He visited all his old congregations
on both sides of the Mississippi ; and was every where
received with joy, and with every mark of attention
and respect. At the Barrens, he found a colony of
Sisters of Loretto from his own Diocese.*

While in St. Louis, he received a letter from Bishop
David, containing intelligence both joyful and sad.
The Holy See had accepted his resignation ; and Bishop
David had become Bishop of Bardstown, with Dr.
Ohabrat as his Coadjutor. But these changes had caus-
ed general dissatisfaction among both the clergy and
laity of Kentucky. The former Coadjutor loudly pro
tested against his unexpected promotion ; and the whole
Diocese was seized with grief at the apprehended loss
of a Bishop so universally esteemed and loved.

In this emergency, the holy prelate persuaded Bishop
Rosati to accompany him to Kentucky, in order to as-
sist, with his counsel and influence, in allaying the
storm which had arisen. On their arrival, in Decem-
ber, 1832, they found that the excitement had not been
exaggerated. Bishop Flaget was overwhelmed with
sorrow. After suitable deliberation, it was decided, in
accordance with the advice of Dr. Rosati, that the two
Bishops should unite in a petition to the Sovereign
Pontiff*, begging him to accept the resignation of Dr.
David, and to dispose at will of Bishop Flaget and Dr.
Chabrat.f

* Journal, in locis.

f Journal — Ibid. Another distinguished prelate was also con-
sulted on this perplexing •affair.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

275

Towards the end of May, in the following year, the
answer was received from Rome ; Bishop David’s resig-
nation vras accepted, and Bishop Flaget was reinstated.
Nothing definite was said about Dr. Chabrat.* Our
prelate was now in a worse condition than before, hav-
ing no Coadjutor. This condition of affairs continued
for more than a year.

From the Bishop’s correspondence, we gather an oc-
currence worthy of record, which took place in 1833.
Illinois was still under his jurisdiction ; and its great
northern city, since become an episcopal see, was fast
growing in importance. In' this year, Bishop Rosati,
as Vicar General of the Bishop of Bardstown, sent the
Rev. M. St. Cyr to Chicago. With the previous reli-
gious history of this city we are entirely unacquainted ;
at the period in question, it numbered already about
one hundred Catholic families.

Bishop Flaget was now destined to pass through an-
other severe ordeal. In the spring of 1833, the cholera
broke out, in a very malignant form, at Bardstown and
in the neighboring counties. The first persons attack-
ed by the disease were in the family of Mr. John Rob-
erts, a Protestant gentleman residing about eight miles
from Bardstown. The cholera suddenly appeared here
on Whitsun-Monday. Three servant men and a daugh-
ter of Mr. Roberts soon fell victims to the fatal malady.
The whole neighborhood was seized with consterna-
tion ; and no one would go near the house.

At the very first intelligence of the distress in which
this unfortunate family was involved, two Sisters of

* Journal — Ibid .

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276 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

Loretto flew to the succor of the afflicted; and they
were soon after joined by two Sisters of Charity from
Nazareth, accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Reynolds, the
present distinguished Bishop of Charleston. These
ministering angels of charity, totally regardless of self,
devoted themselves day and night to the nursing of the
sick and dying. One of them, Sister Benedicta of Lo-
retto, died a few days later, of the disease here con-
tracted.

Bishop Flaget himself lost no time in hastening to
the house of pestilence. He remained there for several
hours, and baptized a sick daughter of Mr. Roberts.
He also administered the last sacraments to a <dying
servant, who was lying on the floor between two already
dead of the disease. To hear his confession, he knelt
down, the body of one of the deceased having been
flrst removed to afford him sufficient space. He even
wished to remain, in order to assist in burying the
4ead, whom the neighbors could not be induced to
touch. It was only after the most urgent entreaties,
and after he had received sufficient assurance that the
deceased would be decently interred, that he could be
induced to leave the spot. Dr. Reynolds had already
persuaded the family to leave their house, and take
refuge nearer Bards town.*

The malady soon after appeared in and about Bards-
town, where many fell victims to its virulence. Sev-
eral members of the family of the Hon. Jno. Rowan died.
The Sisters of Charity and the Clergy, with the Bishop

* These details we learn from Mr. J. Charles Gilbert, an eye-
witness and an actor in the above scenes. He lived then at Lo-
retto.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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at their head, were always found by the bed-side of the
dying. Sisters Joanna Lewis, Patricia Bamber, and
Generose Buckman, of Nazareth, fell martyrs of their
charity in serving the sick. Their names are worthy
of special record; though their heroism was bnt the
embodiment of that divine charity, which has, in all
ages, been common in the Catholic Church.

The terrible epidemic extended to other places. At
St. Mary’s college, the Rev. William Byrne, after hav-
ing assisted for death a dying negro woman, caught the
disease himself, and died in a few hours, on the 6th of
June. The Rev. Mr. Maguire, a Jesuit father, soon
followed him to the tomb.

The Bishop had hitherto moved unterrified and un-
hurt, amidst the ruins which the pestilence had strewn
in its path. The scourge had almost disappeared, and
all were thanking God that he had escaped ; — when he
too was suddenly seized with the malady in a virulent
form. For three days, there was a violent struggle be-
tween life and death ; his physicians considered his case
almost hopeless; — on the fourth, the crisis had passed,
and his robust constitution, with the divine blessing,
brought him safely through the ordeal. Convalescent,
he almost regretted that the physicians had erred in
their judgment.

“Alas!” he wrote, 44 1 regret that their conjectures
were not verified ; for death would have delivered me
from a burden, become now almost insupportable, in
consequence of my advanced age and its attendant in-
firmities ; and I have every reason to fear that it will
be next to impossible for me ever to be better prepared
than I was then for a passage so formidable in itself,

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278 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

and which will become a hundred times more so, when I
shall have to render an account of an administration
so long and so extensive as that with which I have
been entrusted. But let the holy will of God be done,
and not mine ! ” *

In a letter to his brother in France, written ten days
later, he speaks of his late illness in the following gay
and lively tone :

“For several weeks, I seemed to laugh at the pesti-
lence, being almost constantly in the midst of those
who were infected with it, speaking to them, consoling
them, and rubbing their hands and feet, when circum-
stances required this service. In brief, I regarded my-
self as invulnerable. But the lord cholera ,f whose
march is guided by an omnipotent and invisible hand,
laughed at my bravados ; he struck to the right and to
the left the victims which were marked out for him*
waiting patiently for the day, when he could* all at
his ease, lower my colors, and make me feel the entire
weight of his formidable arm. He could not have
chosen better the time for avenging himself of my
boastings, and for making me know who he was and
what he could do ; for it was precisely when he appear-
ed to have retired from the country, that he cast him-
self upon me, with uplifted arms, and struck me so
rude a blow, from the very beginning, that all my
friends, and even the physicians, believed me to be in
a struggle with inevitable death.

“ God be thanked ; for several weeks the sight of
many victims, who in seven or eight hours had been

* Letter in the Annales, dated December 5, 1833.
f Le seigneur cholera.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

279

immolated by this terrible cholera, had suggested to
me so many salutary thoughts on the vanity of the
world, on the inutility of its goods, of its honors and
its pleasures, that, already thoroughly converted on all
these points, I had but to re-pass the history of my
youth in the bitterness of my soul, and the numberless
mistakes of a spiritual administration, which has lasted
for nearly fifty years.*

“This retrospect was, without doubt, calculated to
cast alarm into all the faculties of my soul, and to
make me adopt the most expeditious and efficacious
means to purify, the best I could, my poor heart, more
weighed down by the burden of its iniquities, than by
that of its seventy years completed. I had, then, re-
course on the spot to my old Coadjutor, who has been
my intimate friend for forty -five years, and my confes-
sor for nearly thirty. With a soul filled with grief, f
and a charity more than human, he heard me, he en-
lightened me* he consoled me ; and, above all, he dis-
pensed me from a thousand details, which would have
been necessary for any other confessor less acquainted
than himself* with my conscience. Having then laid
before me the most touching and the strongest motives
to excite a lively and sincere sorrow for my sins,
and an entire resignation to the sacrifice which God
seemed to demand of me, he made me hear those
words, so sweet and so consoling to a poor sinner strug-
gling with death : — Ego te absolvo , &c. J

“ From that moment I enjoyed a peace, which the

* Since he was ordained priest.

t Navre de dovleur — a favorite expression of the Bishop,
t “ I absolve thee,” &c.

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280 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

world could not impart, and which the lord cholera
himself could not trouble. I left to my confessor the
charge of administering to me the last sacraments, at

the moment he might judge the most suitable. But a
favorable crisis having occurred, at the end of three
days I was no longer in a condition to require their re-
ception.” *

Many years of apostolic labor were yet in reserve for
the holy prelate ; he w T as to lay up still greater treas-
ures in heaven, ere his earthly pilgrimage would be
terminated. If trials and dangers prove mens’ souls,
we possess an index to his character, in the fearless de-
votedness with which he walked in the midst of the
dreadful pestilence, and in the calm serenity, tempered
by humility and contrition, with which he awaited his
dissolution, when he believed that his last hour had
come.

On his recovery, he continued to feel no little solici-
tude in regard to his future Coadjutor. The negotia-
tions on the subject were long pending ; Rome moved
slowly and cautiously in a matter of so much impor-
tance. At length, on the feast of the Apostles SS.
Peter and Paul, — June 29th, 1834, — the Bulls arrived,
appointing Dr. Chabrat Bishop of Bolina, and Coadju-
tor of Bishop Flaget. The consecration took place on
the 20th of July, in the cathedral of Bardstown; our
venerable prelate being the Consecrator, and Bishop
David and the Rev. R. P. Miles, 0. 1\, being the assis-
tants. Many of the clergy of the Diocese were present
on this solemn occasion.

* Letter to brother, December 14, 1833. French Life — p. 68,
seqq.

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From this date to the time of his death, the mind of
Bishop Flaget was less solicitous concerning matters of
administration, the details of which he generally com-
mitted to his Coadjutor. He now breathed more free-
ly, and became daily more and more intimately united
with God in prayer.

In the preceeding year, — October 13th,— the Right
Rev. Dr. Purcell had been consecrated second Bishop
of Cincinnati; and had been duly inaugurated by
Bishop Flaget.* He now invited Bishop Flaget to
Cincinnati, to assist at the dedication of the German
Catholic Church of the Holy Trinity, which ceremony
was to take place on the 6th of October, 1834.

In Cincinnati, our prelate had the consolation to meet
also his old and intimate friend, Dr. Brut6, lately nom-
inated first Bishop of Vincennes. On receiving his
Bulls, this humble and learned ecclesiastic had written
to Bishop Flaget, strongly stating the many motives he
had for not accepting the responsible charge ; but he
had concluded by leaving the final decision of the case
to the judgment of Bishops Flaget and Chabrat. f
These prelates, of course, had advised him to accept ;
and he now accordingly waived all further objection.

The splendid new cathedral of St. Louis was to be
consecrated towards the end of the same month ; and
Bishops Flaget, Purcell, and Brut6 traveled by stage
to that city, to be present on the occasion. The dedi-
cation took place with great solemnity on the 26th of
October ; and on the 28th, Bishop Flaget therein con-

* He addressed the new prelate in strains of moving eloquence,
telling him of the heavy cross he was to bear for Christ,

f His letter to our prelate.

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secrated Dr. Brute first Bishop of Vincennes; the
Bishops of St. tonis and Cincinnati being the assistant
prelates; and the latter preaching the consecration
sermon.

We may as weil mention here, that about a year be-
fore — October 6th, 1833 — Bishop Rosati had consecra-
ted Dr. Res4 first Bishop of Detroit, in the cathedral
of Cincinnati. Thus, in the short space of little more
than a year, four new Bishops were consecrated for the
West; three of them for sees lying within the ancient
jurisdiction of the Bishop of Bardstown, and the
fourth, for the coadjutorship of the Diocese itself.

Bishops Flaget and Purcell accompanied the Bishop
of Vincennes to his new see, in which they solemnly
installed him, November 6th, 18$4.* The ceremony
over, our } prelate bade a tender and final adieu to his
old friends and former parishioners, endeared to him
by a pastoral connection which had commenced more
than forty years previously.

With a lighter heart than he had ever felt before
since his own consecration, he now returned to Bards-
town. His long-cherished aspirations were realized.
The vast territory placed under his episcopal jurisdic-
tion was now narrowed down to the two States of Ken-
tucky and Tennessee, which comprised his Diocese, as
originally constituted. The latter State was likewise
withdrawn from his jurisdiction, four years later, by
the consecration — September 16th, 1838 — of the Right
Rev. Dr. Miles, as first Bishop of Nashville.

* On the road from St. Louis, the stage broke down, and the pre-
lates were left, for a time, to grope their way amidst the darkness.
Bishop Flaget cheered them for the mishap by his gaiety. Sitting
on a log, he related pleasant anecdotes. This incident was com-
municated by Archbishop Purcell.

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£83

We conclude this Chapter, by referring to another
episcopal consecration, which occured during the peri-
od of which we are treating. As we hare Seen, the
Rev. Leo De Neckere, a learned and most exemplary
Belgian priest, was appointed the fourth Bishop of New
Orleans, some time after the resignation of Or. Du*
Tt)ourg. The humble and modest ecclesiastic for a long
time firmly refused to accept the proffered honor. HiS
health was very feeble ; and he was of an amiable, dif-
fident, unpretending and retiring disposition, much be-
loved by all who knew him.

At lehgth his reluctance was overcome, and he w£S
consecrated by Bishop Rosati, assisted by Bishop Por-
tier and Very Rev. B. Richard, V. G., at NeW Orleans,
June 24, 1830. Bishop England was present, and he
preached the consecration sermon. The same prelate*
dtiring his stay in the city, delivered a number of his'
powerful discourses, which created quite a Sensation.
A letter, written from New Orleans to Bishop Flaget,
speaks as follows of one among the effects produced by
these sermons :

44 Bishop England has done frightful mischief here.
Every time that he preached in the evening there wefe
not more than four or five persons present at the thea-
tre ! Mr. Davis, the manager, had chosen the fiiOBt
piquant pieces ; — he Was left in the lurch to provide
for his expenses for illumination and other prepara-
tions. He pretended that he was injured in MS rights;
and he accused the prelate of having but little charity
for his neighbor ! The audience of the Cathedral, and
at the church of M. Maenhaut, notwithstanding the
great numbers and throng, were hushed in so deep a
silence that nothing was heard, save a tat^ which hap-

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

pened, I know not how, to be caught under the feet of
some one, and which cried out for mercy after its own
peculiar manner ! ” #

Bishop De Neckere did not long survive his conse-
cration. He died the death of a saint, September 4,
1833. He was succeeded by the Et. Kev. Dr. Blanc,
the present Archbishop of New Orleans ; who was con-
secrated Nov. 22, 1835.

Dr. Blanc had been stationed successively at Natch-
ez, Point Coup£, and Baton Bouge. He was called to
New Orleans by Bishop De Neckere, and appointed
associate Vicar General, with the aged M. Kichard, in
December, 1831. In 1832, he received from Home the
appointment of Coadjutor to Bishop De Neckere ; who,
without his knowledge, had written to the Pope, dem-
anding him, not as his Coadjutor, but as his successor.
Dr. Blanc would not accept the office of Coadjutor, un-
less on condition that the Bishop should promise to
abandon his intention of resigning. Dr. De Neckere
having declined to do this, the Bishop elect sent the
Bulls back to Rome.

Bishop De Neckere wrote to our holy prelate to en-
gage his interest at Rome towards obtaining the accep-
tance of his resignation. Bishop Flaget answered in a
strain of pleasant raillery, gently twitting his young
colleague on the necessity of his retiring from the cares
of the episcopacy, after having borne the burden for the
great space of nearly three years ! The timid, but holy
Bishop of New Orleans, received in good part this re-
buke so politely and so elegantly administered ; and
he appears to have given over his intention of resign-
ing

* Letter of M. Martial.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

285

At his death, Dr. Blanc was appointed administrator
of the Diocese. In 1834, M. Jeanjean was appointed
Bishop of New Orleans ; but he promptly declined, and
sent back the Bulls. In October, 1835, Dr. Blanc was
appointed, and he accepted. *

* These interesting details were furnished by the Archbishop of
New Orleans.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

CHAPTER XII.

HIS RELIGIOUS AND CHARITABLE ESTABLISHMENTS.

1 8 1 2 — 1*8 3 5 .

The tree and its fruits — A rapid sketch— ‘Dominican convent —
And college of St. Thomas Aquinas — The Sisters of St. Dominic
— Loretto Society — Its statistics— -The Bishop’s testimony — Sis-
terhood of Charity — Its origin, objects, and subsequent condition
—A consoling feature — The Brotherhood — Mount Casino —
Bishop Flaget’s anticipations — How frustrated — The election of
a Guardian — Schools to be every where established — Letter from
the Propaganda — Remarks on Christian education — St. Joseph's
College — Its rise and history — The Rev. G. A. M. Elder — St.
Mary’s College — The Rev. Wm. Byrne — The theological and
the preparatory Seminary — A forged Letter — Statistics of the
Diocesan establishments in 1825— Recapitulation — Consolation
at the hour of death.

It is time for us now to pause, and, before tracing far-
ther the episcopal career of Bishop Flaget, to glance
rapidly at the numerous religious and charitable insti-
tutions which had already sprung up in his Diocese ;
most of them under his own fostering care. We cannot
else estimate aright the character of the holy prelate.
Adopting as a standard the Gospel text, — “ by their
fruits ye shall know them,” — we shall probably come
to the conclusion that he was truly a favored child ol
heaven, and that God achieved wonders through his
instrumentality.

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CHARACTER OP SJSHOJ* FLAGET. £87

The blessings which crowned his administration ex-
hibit a remarkable fulfillment of ^hat was uttered by
the royal Psalmist, in regard to the just man, whosp
will is the law of God, and who meditates thereon day
and night : — u He shall be like the tree which is plan-
ted near the streams of water, which shall yield itp
fruit in proper time ; and the leaf shall not fall off ;
and all things whatsoever he shall do shall be pros-
pered” *

Such was pre-eminently the case with our holy Bish-
op. He entered upon his career without any other
resource than an unbounded confidence in God ; and in
this trust he was not confounded. God raised up for
him devoted friends, and zealous co-laborers in the
vineyard, upon whose generous efforts he bestowed an
abundant blessing. Establishments arose, as it were
from nothing, and these became the objects of his own
wonder, and of his fervent gratitude to u the Father of
Lights, from whom every good and every perfect gift
descendeth.” j-

Our present purpose calls for, and admits of only a
few general outlines ; nor would the limits of one Chap-
ter permit many details. We shall pass in rapid re-
view the various institutions successively erected up to
the year 1835, following the order of time.

1. The first religious establishment of Kentucky was
founded five years before the arrival of the Bishop.
As we have already seen, in a previous Chapter, the
Dominican convent of St. Rose was founded in 1806.
In 1808 a noviciate was established, and several youtfis
welre soon admitted as postulants. In 1809, the college

* Psalm, i. t St. James, ch. i.

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288 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

of St. Thomas Aquinas was organized in connection
with the convent, and it continued in successful opera-
tion for about ten years. After this period, the servi-
ces of the Dominican fathers being required on the
growing missions of Ohio and Kentucky, the college
was closed, for want of suitable professors.

About this time— in 1819, — the monastery of St,
Magdalene,* for religious women following the rule of
St. Dominic, was founded by F. Wilson. From hum-
ble beginnings, it soon attained to a highly prosperous
condition, under the fostering care of the present Bish-
op of Nashville, who watched over its interests for
many years. A branch of it was afterwards established
in Ohio ; where, since 1818, a Dominican convent had
already existed.

The Dominicans of St. Rose devoted much of their
time to missionary duties in Kentucky, in Ohio, and in
Michigan. Of the zealous missionary labors of FF.
Fenwick and Young in Ohio, we have already spoken.

Father Wilson died at St. Rose in 1824. In August,
1828, the Rev. F. Raphael Munos arrived at the con-
vent, as prior. He had been commissioned by the
General of the Order, to re-establish therein, in its full
vigor, the holy rule of St. Dominic ; which, amidst the
trying circumstances and distracting cares of the mis-
sionary life the earlier fathers were compelled to lead,
had suffered some relaxation. The Order is now in a
highly prosperous condition ; and it has lately estab-
lished a new convent and college at Sinsinawa Mound,
Wisconsin ; also a new college in Ohio, at St. Joseph’s.

2. In the course of his arduous missionary labors in

* Now called St. Catharine’s.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

Kentucky, the Rev. M. Nerinkx had often deplored
the negligence of parents in training up their
offspring to knowledge and virtue. He found it
difficult properly to prepare children for first com-
munion. He had so many congregations under his
charge, that he could scarcely devote a sufficient time
td the religious instruction of the youth. Finding that
the parents were not themselves, in many cases, suffi-
ciently acquainted with their Religion to impart the
necessary knowledge to their children, he thought of
founding a sisterhood, under whose direction the young
females who were to be the future mothers of family,
might be thoroughly instructed in the elementary
branches of education, and especially in religious prin-
ciples.

Providence favored his charitable design. Some
pious ladies having presented themselves as postulants,
the foundations of the new society were laid April 25,
1812. The convent consisted of a hollow square of log
cabins ; the chapel occupying a central position on one
side of the quadrangle. It was situated near the church
of JSt. Charles, and was called Loretto , after the famous
asylum of the Holy Virgin in Italy. Besides the object
alluded to above, the sisterhood was to take charge of
destitute orphans ; and its members were taught to love
poverty, and to earn their own livelihood by manual
labor. They were to cherish a special devotion towards
that model and pride of her sex, the pure and holy
One, —

“ Our tainted nature’s solitary boast,
the Immaculate Maby, Mother of God made man.
They were styled, “ The Lovers of Mary at the foot of
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the Cross.” Standing with her near the Cross, they
were daily to sympathize with the dying Son and the
afflicted Mother, with the pious ejaculations : — u O
suffering Jesus ! 0 sorrowful Mary ! ”

Such was the idea of the sainted Founder, and God
bestowed an abundant blessing on his enterprise. The
society grew apace, and the most edifying terror
reigned throughout the establishment of Loretto. The
mother house was soon able to send out colonies to
other parts of Kentucky, and subsequently to found
houses in Missouri and Arkansas. Bishop Flaget bore
the following testimony to the early piety of the sister-
hood :

“ These women sought for poverty in everything ; in
their monasteries, and in the plain neatness of their
chapels. The plainness, the cleanliness, the simplicity
of their dwellings and of their chapels, excited the won-
der of their visitors. * * * They were the edification
of all who knew them ; and their singular piety and pen-
itential lives reminded one of all that we have read of
the ancient monasteries of Palestine and Thebais ! ” *

We may well conceive how the heart of the gqod
prelate was rejoiced at the successful establishment of
so edifying a society. But his joy was turned into sor-
row, on receiving intelligence of the death of the pious
founder, which occurred at St. Genevieve in Missouri,
August 12, 1824. He had gone thither, as we have
seen, to visit a branch of the sisterhood established in
that State some years before, and also to labor for the
conversion of the Indians.

* Letter to Bishop England, published in the U. S. Catholic
Miscellany, December 8, 1824.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 291

At his death the society already numbered more
than a hundred members, and these had charge of six
schools. The Bishop soon afterwards appointed the
Rev. G. J. Chabrat superior ; and in November, 1824,
the mother house was removed to its present situation
at the old St. Stephen’s, — the cradle of the Diocese.

The new convent and church were blessed June 1,
1826. The Bishop was present and officiated on the
occasion. Reminiscences of the first year of his episco-
pacy, passed amid sorrow and privations at this place,
crowded on his mind ; and he was much affected, espe-
cially while transporting the Blessed Sacrament from
the old log chapel, — his first rude cathedral, — to the
fine brick church of the convent.*

In 1844, the sisterhood contained one hundred and
seventy-nine members ; the number at present is prob-
ably about two hundred. They have four regular
houses, with schools attached to them, in Kentucky,
and three in Missouri. The Very Rev. D. A.Deparcq
has been for many years the ecclesiastical superior.
The original rule of M. Nerinkx having been found by
experience too austere for this country, was subsequent-
ly considerably modified in several of its details ; with-
out, however, substantially affecting the nature and
original objects of the society.

3. The same year, 1812, which gave birth to the Loretto
Society, likewise witnessed the commencement of anoth-
er sisterhood, destined also to do much for promoting
the cause of religion and education. The society of the

* Journal — ibid. Several of the above details, particularly the
dates, are taken from the same source.

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Sisters of Charity in Kentucky was founded by Father
David, who presided over it as ecclesiastical superior
for about twenty years ; until old age and infirmities
compelled him to resign the post. It was he who, with
the sanction of Bishop Flaget, drew up the admirable
body of rules and constitutions by which the society is
still governed. They are the same as St. Vincent of
Paul laid down for the direction of the Sisters of Char-
ity in France, with such slight modifications as the cir-
cumstances of time and place seemed to demand.

After the resignation of Bishop David, the present
Bishop of Charleston was for some years the ecclesias-
tical superior ; and he was succeeded by the Bev. Jo-
seph Haseltine, the present incumbent.

The society had a very humble beginning. About a
year after the removal of the seminary to St. Thomas’,
two pious ladies, wishing to devote their lives to God
and the neighbor in a religious life, placed themselves
for this purpose under the spiritual direction of Father
David.* Others soon joined the infant sisterhood ; and
in June, 1813, the number having increased to six, a
retreat was given them by Father David, and at its
close an election was held, and a mother superior and
other officers chosen by the votes of the members.
Bishop Flaget was present at the ceremony, and made
a most moving exhortation to the Sisters ; and the cer-
emony closed with the solemn episcopal benediction.
Thus was organized a society which has since reflected
so much honor on Keligion in Kentucky, and accom-
plished so much good. The objects contemplated by
its founder in its establishment, — besides the sanctifica-

* November, 1812.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

293

tion of its own members common to every religious
body, — were, first, the exercise of the corporal and spir-
itual works of mercy towards the poor, the sick, and
the ignorant ; and, second, the promotion of Christian
education among the young of the weaker sex.

The members of the society lived for several years in
a brick edifice erected on the farm of St. Thomas. In
June, 1822, the Sisters removed to the present location
of the mother house, well known by the name of Naz-
areth. The farm had been purchased from a Presby-
terian preacher named Lapsley ; and the first chapel
was the room which he had occupied as a study. The
erection of a new convent was commenced May 26,
1826 ; and in December, 1829, the Legislature of Ken-
tucky granted charters of incorporation to both the
societies of Nasaretb and Loretto.*

In 1844, the nuihber of Sisters, including novices,
was seventy -six ; and they were then educating nearly
five hundred girls, besides having charge of forty orph-
ans in the St. Yincent Asylum, at Louisville. This
Asylum, founded in 1832, now contains one hundred
and fifteen orphans, under the charge of six Sisters,
besides three more who attend to the Infirmary at-
tached.

The number of Sisters and of scholars has also great-
ly increased in the last eight years. Besides the Asy-
lum, Nazareth has five branch houses, conducting six
female academies ; all of them lying within the State
of Kentucky.

One feature, common to both the sisterhoods above
mentioned, — and also to that of the order of St. Dom-

* These dates are taken from the Bishop's Journal.

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inic, — is the fact that their members have been mainly
recruited from the country itself. This circumstance
must have been particularly consoling to the holy Bish-
op, to whom God thus gave a visible proof of His bles-
sing on the vineyard confined to his care. When it
yielded such fruits as these, — many hundreds of pious
virgins consecrating themselves entirely to the cause of
Religion and charity, — he who watched over its culti-
vation with so much paternal solicitude could not but
feel greatly comforted. Only the Catholic Church can
originate that sublime self-devotion, which makes the
Christian virgin, and preserves her faithful to the end.

The Bishop was the first superior of both these relig-
ious societies ; and he watched over their rise and pro-
gress with a father’s care. We find from his Journal,
that he gave the mothers special instructions how they
should preside over the communities placed under their
control ; and that he frequently gave lessons in gram-
mar, and in other branches, to those who were prepar-
ing themselves to become teachers.*

4. M. Nerinkx had planned a brotherhood, similar in
its objects, to the sisterhood of Loretto. He had even
made a commencement of the.good work ; but his death
in 1824 cut short his design, which was never fully
carried into execution.

Bishop Flaget had long entertained a similar thought.
As far back as 1813, we find him revolving in his mind
the best plan for founding such an establishment. On
this subject he has the following entry in his Journal :

“ To-day, while saying Mass, a distraction, — perhaps
a good thought, — came into my mind ; which was, that

* This occurred particularly at the school of Gethsemaue.

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CHARACTER OF BB8HOP FLAGBT.

295

perhaps we could unite together several artisans of dif-
ferent trades, who would consecrate themselves to God
by religious vows, and would live in community. Each
artisan might receive apprentices ; and all who could
work together in common, without interfering with one
another, might do so. The rest might work in a sepa-
rate place ; but always in the same enclosure. There
would be regular hours set apart, at which all would
assemble for prayer, spiritual reading, &c.” *

Thirteen years elapsed before this project could be
fully matured, or carried into effect. In the spring of
1826, the foundations of the brotherhood were laid at
St. Thomas’. The venerable Founder wished ultimate-
ly to organize a society of religious men similar to that
of the u Brothers of the Christian Doctrine,” in France ;
and when it would become sufficiently numerous, to se-
lect the most suitable members for assistants to the
missionary clergy, in the management of temporal
affairs, and in teaching catechism to children and serv-
ants.

The brotherhood was placed under the charge of the
Rev. M. Derigaud, who directed the early exercises of
the members. These bound themselves by vow t s for
only three years. In the spring of 1827 the establish-
ment was removed to Casey county, on a farm belong-
ing to the church. Here the Brothers, about eight in
number, built their monastery, which was called Mount
Casino, after the famous Benedictine Abbey in Italy.
Most of them exercised some mechanical trade. The
original idea of the Bishop seemed in a fair way of ac-
complishment.

* July 4, 1813.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

But the ways of divine Providence are truly unr
searchable. The superior, M. Derigaud, died shortly
afterwards ; and the Bishop experienced great embar-
rassment in finding a suitable successor to that devoted
priest. In this emergency, he called the Brothers to
Nazareth, to hold an election of a Brother Guardian.
We will allow him to unfold his feelings and plans on
this, to him very interesting occasion :

u The Sisters, and Mother Catharine at their head,
received them with a particular attention. The Mother
herself served us at table. * * * I was a hundred
times more happy in the midst of these good Brothers,
than I could have been, seated at the table of kings.
How many beautiful fancies started from my old ima-
gination, on seeing these six Brothers seated at the
same table with me, and who represented so well the
apostles, simple men like them, seated at the table
with their divine master ! I saw already in full opera-
tion a pious association of various trades ; shops erec-
ted for completing a building ; children sent to them
from all parts to learn different trades, to acquire an
ordinary education, and, above all, to be instructed in
their Religion, and to learn to practice its duties. I
saw erected a beautiful and vast chapel, in which
divine service would be performed with much gravity,
majesty, and fervor. I saw one wing of their monas-
tery consecrated entirely to those men, who, tired of
the world, might wish to end their days in a holy and
rigorous penance. In another wing, I located apart-
ments for the Bishop and such of his priests as would
be happy to recollect themselves for a few days and
purify their hearts. What did I not see ? ” *

* Bon Dim! Que ne voyais je pas? Journal, 1827.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGBT. 397

All these fine plans were doomed to come to nought.
A Guardian was duly elected ; but the brotherhood, for
the want of an efficient priest to direct them, soon de-
clined ; and at the close of the three years, it was dis-
solved.* . In this utilitarian age and country, it is
difficult to induce men, to whom the world opens so
many avenues of industry and of wealth, “ to leave all
things and follow Christ.” It requires a healthy Cath-
olic atmosphere to impart to them that heroic vigor of
soul, which is an essential condition for the true reli-
gious vocation. Hence what is so common in Catholic
countries, is rare in this, where the very air is so tainted
with Mammonism.

5. The Bishop desired nothing more ardently, than
to see schools for children of both sexes rising up under
the shadow of the church in each congregation. He
knew and felt, that the religious character of the rising
generation will depend upon the manner in which
youth are trained up. The question of education he
rightly viewed, as one among the most important, if
not the most important of all, to the interests of Reli-
gion. It appears that he even corresponded on this
subject with Rome ; for we find that — December 1st,
1820 — ‘he received a Letter from the Propaganda,
strongly urging him to establish schools for children,
and to place them under the superintendence of clergy-
men. A similar recommendation was likewise made
to all the Bishops of the United States, as it had been
previously to the Bishops of Ireland. f

* Most of the Brothers returned to the world; one of them en-
tered the Dominican order, and is now the Provincial in America.

t This is the substance of the Letter, according to the entry in
the Journal — Ibid ,

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This system of parochial schools, wherever it can be
carried out, harmonizes well with the spirit and prac-
tice of the Catholic Church ; and, if fully established,
it would be attended with immense advantages to morals
and Religion. Education without Religion .is a body
without a soul ; it develops and gives strength to the
passions, while it withholds the only effectual influence
which can guide and control them for good. In the
middle ages, when the Catholic spirit was predominant,
schools, under the controlling influence of Religion,
were seen almost every where in the vicinity of the
churches ; and in Catholic countries this is, to a great
extent, still happily the case.

In missionary countries, where Catholics are scattered,
and intermixed with those who are either bitterly op-
posed to them, or indifferent to all Religion, great dif-
ficulties exist in fully carrying out the system ; still its
adoption, so far as circumstances will permit, would be
fraught with incalculable advantages. In this respect,
our German Catholic brethren set us an admirable ex-
ample, worthy of imitation. Children religiously
trained up, never forget the good impressions made on
their young minds.

If Bishop Flaget was not allowed by the slender re-
sources of his destitute missions fully to carry out the
recommendations of the Holy See, he did at least
whatever he could to effect this purpose. We have
seen how successful he was in founding academies for
girls. Shortly after the receipt of the Letter in ques-
tion, two flourishing schools for boys arose, which soon
afterwards attained to the rank of colleges.

6. St. Joseph’s college had its humble commence-

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CHARACTER OP BISHOP FLAGET.

299

ment, as a day-school, in a basement room of the old

seminary at Bardstown, about the year 1820 ; and St.
Mary’s was founded in the following year. The Rev.
G. A. M. Elder was selected by the Bishop to be the
founder and first president of the former ; and his inti-
mate friend, Rev. William Byrne, was chosen to fulfill
the same offices for the latter. These two clergymen
had all the qualities requisite for success in the arduous
undertakings assigned them ; and God’s blessing did
not fail to attend their efforts.

The institutions respectively founded by these two
devoted priests, after having gone through many vicis-
situdes and reverses, still continue to flourish, after a
lapse of thirty years. The number of youths educated
in them during this period has been very considerable.
Taking two hundred as the average number in yearly
attendance in both, — and this figure is not too high,
but rather below what was usual, — we may set down
the total number of students who performed therein
their studies for a year, at six thousand. They were
not only from Kentucky, but from nearly all the States
of the West and South.

Among the benefactors of St. Joseph’s college, the
name of the Rev. M. Martial, the special friend of
Bishop Flaget, deserves particular mention. In 1824,
he brought up from the South twenty Creole boys for
the college ; and in the year following, fifty-four ac-
companied him. These had been students in a southern
college, with which he had been previously connected.
The present Bishop of Charleston, the Rev. J. M. Lan-
caster, and the Rev. E. McMahon, were successively
presidents of St. Joseph’s college.

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•

7. For twenty-eight years the secular clergy had
charge of St. Joseph’s college ; and during a great part
of this time, the theological seminary was placed near
the college, the seminarians teaching, or performing
duty therein, a few hours per day. The Bishops for
many years lived in the seminary, and ate at the same
table with the young candidates for the ministry. This
connection of the two institutions had its advantages,
as well as its inconveniences. Experience, however,
showed that many of the seminarians had their voca-
tions shaken by being thrown so much in contact with
youth of the world ; while scarcely a candidate for the
ministry was obtained among those who received their
education in the college. The Bishop was greatly dis-
tressed at this, and he adopted every means in his power
to obviate or correct the evil.

For this purpose, he established at St. Thomas’ a
preparatory seminary for such young men as might
give indications of a vocation to the ecclesiastical state.
In connection with it, was a Catholic school for boys,
who were taught the branches of an ordinary educa-
tion, and were afterwards encouraged to pursue higher
studies, in case they aspired to the ecclesiastical state.
This seminary was placed at first under the charge of
the Rev. M. Derigaud ; and alter his death, it continued
in operation for several years, but was finally closed.

8. The founding of St. Mary’s college, and its re-
markable success for twelve years, were attributable to
the zeal and indomitable energy of one man. Without
money or men to help him, the Rev. William Byrne
purchased the farm and erected the buildings ; paying
the whole cost in tuition. He did more. He formed

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301

himself the teachers who were to aid him in carrying
on the college. He originated every thing. And what
is more remarkable still, he exercised at the same time
the holy ministry in the neighboring congregations.
He was always the last in bed, and the first up in the
morning ; though often in the course of the night he
was for many hours absent visiting the sick.

How he found time for all this, excites our wonder.
Yet he did it all, and did it well, for twelve years. He
was president, chief disciplinarian, principal professor,
procurator, missionary ; — everything at the same time.
And yet his talents were not brilliant, nor had his op-
portunities allowed him to acquire a very extended
education. He began his study of Latin, like St. Igna-
tius, at the age of near thirty. We can explain his
wonderful success only in one way:— -God was with
him, because he labored solely and entirely for His
honor and glory.

As we have already seen, he died a victim of char-
ity, after he had generously given up the college to the
charge of the Jesuits. The members of this illustrious
order continued to conduct it with success for fourteen
years; until, in 1846, they left the Diocese and went
to New York, to take charge of St. John’s college,
Fordham. After their departure, the college fell again
into the hands of the Bishop, who conducted it through
the secular clergy.

The two colleges, of St. Joseph and St. Mary became
corporate institutions by an act of the Legislature, and
received the privilege of conferring degrees. They
both passed through an ordeal of fire,— St. Mary’s more

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than once, — but they both rose again from their ashes,
with renewed beauty and splendor.

Bishop Flaget was in Rome when he heard of the
burning of St. Joseph’s; and he was plunged into a
sea of grief at the intelligence. When St. Mary’s was
burned, a first and a second time, under the adminis-
tration of its Founder, he, instead of yielding to des-
pondency, rather smiled at the disaster as something
trivial ; and, with his characteristic energy, immediately
set to work to reconstruct the edifice.

In 1825, Bishop Flaget received a letter, purporting
to be from Henry Clay, Secretary of State of the U. S.
Government, requesting him to furnish the religious
statistics of his Diocese. The communication turned
out to be a forgery ; but in reply to it, the prelate gave
a summary account of his various establishments,
which we republish, in a condensed form, as going to
show the condition of his institutions at that date :

1. Diocesan Seminary at Bardstown— Nineteen seminarians,
who also teach in the college — cost of the building, $6,000.

2. Preparatory Seminary at St. Thomas — Fifteen young men,
two priests and five teachers. To this is annexed a school for boys,
with thirty students, who pay annually $35 in federal money, most-
ly in produce—cost of buildings at St. Thomas, $11,400.

3. St. Joseph’s College — Will cost $20,000, when completed.

4. Cathedral — Not yet finished — has already cost $22,600.

5. St. Mary’s Country School — Cost $4,000 — charge per ses-
sion $6 for tuition, besides board paid in produce — very popular —
has one hundred and twenty boys — “ application must be made
twelve months in advance to secure admission.”

6. Sisterhood of Loretto — One hundred Sisters — convent of
Loretto of brick, cost $5,000 — all their branch houses made of
logs — five schools in Kentucky — in 1823, sent out a colony to St.
Genevieve.

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7. Sisterhood of Nazareth — Sixty Sisters— sixty boardere in
Nazareth academy — three other schools in Kentucky, and one at
Vincennes, Indiana— school of Nazareth becoming popular, and
patronized throughout the whole Western country.

8. Sisterhood of St. Dominic— Established in 1821-*— Fourteen
Sisters and twenty-nine boarders*

9. The Bishop's salary is about $200 per year, derived from pew
rents of the cathedral.

Of a recent important change in the administration
of St. Joseph’s, and of the founding of a new college
and free school in Louisville, as well as of several
other institutions, we will speak more appropriately in
a subsequent Chapter. We will close this by mention-
ing an incident which we find recorded in the Bishop's
Journal. It will show how much confidence was re-
posed in him by Protestants as well as by Catholics :

In November, 1826, the citizens of Harrodsburgh,
chiefly Protestants, offered the Bishop a fine college
edifice, a large farm, and a spacious lot for a convent ;
on condition that he would establish Catholic institu-
tions in their town, similar to those in and near Bards-
town. Other towns also held out flattering inducements
for the same object. But the Bishop had not the means
nor the men for carrying on so many institutions ; and
he was in consequence compelled to decline the offers
made him.

Thus we have seen four colleges,- — two of which yet
remain ; — three religious sisterhoods, conducting a
large Female Orphan Asylum, an Infirmary, and elev-
en flourishing academies for girls ; a brotherhood ; and
two religious orders of men, devoting themselves to
education and the missions ; all growing up and pros-
pering under the encouraging auspices of Bishop
Flaget.

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To these institutions were subsequently added sev-
eral others, — besides those above alluded to, — to which
we will refer in the proper place.

May we not believe that the holy prelate had much
to console him in the midst of the weighty labors and
wearing anxieties of his long administration ? Did
not God visibly bless his disinterested exertions to pro-
mote His glory ? How much good may be accomplish-
ed by one devoted man, intent singly on laboring for
God I What consolation do not such reminiscences as
these shed on the else gloomy hour of death !

When Bishop Flaget thought he was dying of chol-
era, he no doubt looked back, with great comfort of
spirit, on all these institutions which he was leaving
behind him, to continue the good work he had begun.
He does not, indeed, tell us so; in his humility he
speaks chiefly of his sins, and of his awful accounta-
bility to God for his long administration ; but* the holy
calm which followed his confession, and the peace of
God which then rested in his heart and beamed from
his countenance, told the whole story of his exceeding
great joy and consolation, much more eloquently than
any words he could have uttered.

The holy prelate was destined yet to pass many years
upon earth ; and we must now follow him through the
remaining days of his pilgrimage.

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CHAPTER XIII.

HIS JOURNEY TO EUROPE AND RETURN.

1 835 — 1 839 .

Journey to Europe long contemplated — Gallicanism — Ruse of
Bishop David — Taking French leave, and sailing for Europe —
He is at Nantes and Angers — Visits Rome — Affecting interview
with Gregory XVI.— Is charged with a mission in France — Vis-
its the Austrian Emperor and Metternich — Family of Charles
Xv —Louis Philippe — Travels in France and Sardinia — Charles
Albert — Duke de Montmorency — Count de Maistre — Makes the
tour of forty-six French Dioceses — Reputation for sanctity —
Wonderful cures — Documentary evidence — Fruits of his labors —
Consults the Pontiff — The answer of Rome — Resolves to re-
turn — Bids a final adieu to France — Goes to die “among his
own.”

A quarter of a century had now elapsed since
Bishop Flaget’s last visit to Europe. Often had he
contemplated the journey with great satisfaction ; hut
as often had he been prevented by uncontrollabe cir-
cumstances from carrying his wishes into execution.
It was not that he sought repose, or desired recreation.
Though he greatly needed both, yet he expected and
wished for no rest in this world. But he thought, that
the journey would promote the interests of Religion in
his Diocese.

What he most desired, was to visit Rome, and to
20

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offer up the tribute of his respectful homage to the suc-
cessor of St. Peter. He had always been devoted to
the Holy See, with a most filial attachment. The Pon-
tiff was, in his eyes, truly the Vicar of Christ, having
full charge, under Him, — the great invisible Head of
the Church, — of all the lambs and sheep of the One
Fold. He sought not to place artificial bounds to a
power, which Christ Himself had not limited, but had
made ample enough to meet every want and emergency
of the Church.

He was never partial to that theory, — now happily
almost exploded, — which is known under the name of
Gallicanum . It was enough for him to know, that
the Pontiff had spoken ; the grace of God, enlighten-
ing and warming his faith, prompted immediate and
willing obedience. The maxim adopted with joyous
and unanimous acclamation by the six hundred Bishops
assembled in general council at Chalcedon in 451, —
Peteb hath spoken by the mouth of Leo, — still re-
echoed in his ears, and found a warm response in his
heart.

Bishops, who are consecrated for Dioceses lying be-
yond the boundaries of Europe, take a solemn engage-
ment on the day of their consecration to visit Borne,
either personally or by a suitable deputy, once in every
ten years ; in order to render to the Sovereign Pontiff
an account of their administration. Our holy prelate
had hitherto discharged this duty through another, be-
cause unable to do it himself.

In 1825, he thought the long-desired time had at
length arrived, when he might visit Rome without
detriment to his Diocese. Still his delicacy of con-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAQET. 807

science would not permit him to take the step, without

obtaining the previous consent and advice of the Sov-
ereign Pontiff himself. He accordingly wrote to Rome
on the subject, and calmly awaited the reply. But he
had communicated his intention to his Coadjutor, Dr.
David; and the latter was so much alarmed at the
heavy responsibility which the departure of the Bishop
would devolve on him, that, without his knowledge, he
addresse l a strong letter of remonstance to the Pope;
setting forth, clearly and forcibly, the reasons against
the Bishop leaving his Diocese at that time.

While awaiting the answer from Rome, our prelate
wrote as follows to his brother in France:

“ If I have not yet made the voyage of Europe, it is
because my venerable Coadjutor, in spite of his great
learning, has not been able to reconcile himself to
taking upon his shoulders my responsibility. I have
not wished to sadden him. I believed, nevertheless,
that my sojourn in Italy and France would be much
more useful to my Diocese, than all I could do here for
ten years. I have written to Rome a long letter, in
which I have detailed the reasons for and against this
pious pilgrimage. In six months I shall know on what
to decide.” *

His application was unsuccessful at Rome. The
reasons alleged by his Coadjutor outweighed his own
with the Pontiff. However painful the decision was to

nature, it was relished, and cheerfully submitted to, by
the principle of grace which ruled within him. In
another letter, written to the same brother, a year later,
he thus gives utterance to his feelings on the occasion :

* Letter dated November 16, 1825. French Life — p. 99.

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808 8 KETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

u You can scarcely believe how much I have been
mortified at the decision of the Pope, who does not
deem it advisable that I should visit Rome and my na-
tive country. He fears that my Diocese, scarcely yet
out of its cradle, might suffer too much through my
absence. * * May the holy will of God be done!
God be thanked, sacrifices of every kind do not cost
me so much now, as formerly. The c I die daily 5 of
St. Paul, taken in the spiritual sense, constitutes at
times my delight. Heaven, and the blessed spirits who
inhabit it, are often the objects of my meditations; but
when I must enter on the way of Calvary, poor human
nature, silly as it is, is greatly hurt, and wages against
me a cruel warfare.” *

Having subsequently understood the means adopted
to prevent his departure, he said to his Coadjutor, with
his accustomed amiable gaiety: “ Make yourself easy;
when I shall again purpose to visit Rome, I will say
nothing of my intention either to yourself or to any
one else.” f

He, in effect, adopted this course, to a great extent,
when nine years later, he actually departed for Europe.
His old Coadjutor having resigned, and his new one —
Dr. Chabrat — having been consecrated, he thought that
the propitious day had at length dawned for setting out
on his European journey. He, accordingly, privately
made all his arrangements for leaving. Having the
full consent of his Coadjutor, he felt entirely at ease in
reference to the administration during his absence. In
the spring of 1835 he departed, so privately, however,

* Letter dated November 28, 1826. French Life — Ibid.

t Ibid.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLA GET.

309

that but two or three persons were aware of his inten-
tion.

He remained abroad about four years, returning only
in the fall of 1839. While in Europe, he was not idle.
He was incessantly engaged in missionary journeys and
labors. He visited Italy, and the greater portion of
France and Austria. Every where he labored for the
interests of his Diocese, and for the general good of
Religion ; and every where his efforts were crowned
with the most signal success.

We cannot attempt to furnish all the edifying details
of his travels and apostolic labors while in Europe ;
our limits will allow us to give only what may be
deemed most interesting to American readers. These
Sketches would be incomplete without some notice of
these edifying passages in his episcopal career.

He remained in France about a year, before he was
able to continue his journey to Rome. One of his first
visits was to Monseigneur de Guerines, Bishop of
Nantes. In this city he had discharged the humble
office of procurator in the Sulpician seminary, forty-
five years previously. He visited eleven parishes of
this Diocese, and was every where received with enthu-
siasm, and venerated as a saint.

From Nantes he went to Angers, where he was
lodged in the episcopal palace. His apartments he
considered entirely too grand for a missionary Bishop ;
but he checked all rising vanity by a reminiscence of
the poverty of his early childhood, when he was “ the
little Benuet * of Contournat.” f The Bishop of An-

* Patois for Benoit , or Benedict.

f Letter to his brother; December 13, 1835. French Life — pp.
104, 105.

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310 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

gers presented him a superb soutane. He passed five
months in this city, where he was seriously ill for some
time with a malady on the lungs, which long baffled
the skill of physicians. He next visited Poictiers and
some other places; after which, he spent some time
with his family at Billom.

Wherever he went, he was received with open arms
by the Bishops, clergy, and people. All vied with one
another, who should pay him the most honor* All
this homage did not shake, however it may have alarm-
ed his humility. He restored all the honor to God, to
whom alone he considered it due.

With a simplicity all his own, he thus speaks of the
contrast between the pomp with which he now saw
himself surrounded, and the humble scenes of his
childhood at Contournat and Billom $ — we shall see the
happy influence which this reminiscence had on his
heart ;

“ It is in vain that they feast me wherever I go ; Bil-
lom and Contournat present themselves to my mind,
and their image furnishes me an inexpressible satisfac-
tion. * * In vain do I find myself associating with

Archbishops and Bishops, with mayors and prefects,
with marquises and counts; the remembrance of the
humble roof, under which I had the happiness to be
born, of poor, but very pious parents, puts me back en-
tirely into my proper place. In vain do they over-
whelm me with polite attentions and compliments, in
prose and in verse, treating me as an apostolic man, as
the foreign missionary, &c., &c. * * If I think but

one moment of Billom, and the good aunt who nursed
me as a mother, all these beautiful eulogies pass over

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

311

my head, like a light breeze, without affecting it with
the least attaint.” *

The Bishop was at Avignon, when he wrote the let-
ter, from which the above is an extract. He was on
his way to Rome, where he arrived in the fall of 1836.f
This was the end he contemplated reaching, when he
undertook what he designated his “ pilgrimage.”

Gregory XYI. then sat on the chair of St. Peter;
Mid the holy prelate lost no time in visiting this excel-
lent Pontiff. He furnishes us with the following sim-
ple, but touching account of his first interview with
the Pope :

“ On the 29th of September, having gone to the
palace towards eleven o’clock, A. M., I was without
delay introduced into the presence of the Father of all
the faithful. Following the usual ceremonial, I made
the three prostrations, and at the third I kissed with
affection the Cross embroidered on his sandal : — it
seemed to me that I was kissing the feet of St. Peter
himself. At this thought, my heart felt a sensation
which I cannot describe; sighs and sobs choked my
utterance. According to the ceremonial, I should have
remained kneeling until the Pope would give me a
sign to rise ; but in this audience, altogether friendly
and paternal, there was no ceremony to be observed.
The excellent Pontiff bowed down, seized me in both
arms, and as I was preparing to kiss his ring, he press-
ed me to his bosom, and embraced me tenderly, salu-
ting me affectionately on both cheeks.

“Such was the impression which these marks of

* Letter to brother; August 25, 1836 — Ibid .

f He reached Rome September 24th. Journal — Ibid.

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312 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

friendship made on my heart, that it was impossible
for me to articulate a single word, and I thought I was
going to be ill. At this sight the Pope was moved, he
pressed me again on his breast, and, with a tender em-
brace, encouraged me to be calm, bade me sit down by
his side, and taking both my hands in his, wafted till I
would open my heart to him. Throughout this whole
scene, my heart was in violent agitation. * * Hap-
pily for me, tears succeeded my sobs ; they flowed in
abundance. At ths juncture, the Pope again embraced
me for the third time.

“ Having recovered my senses, and feeling now per-
fectly at my ease, I entered into conversation with this
good and excellent Father of the faithful. Our inter-
view, which lasted more than half an hour, was con-
ducted in Latin ; and he assured me that he understood
me perfectly well.

“ As I was speaking to him of my journey to Europe,
of the sickness I had suffered at Angers, and the con-
firmation I had given at Nantes, he stopped me, saying,
that he had followed all my footsteps from Havre till
my arrival in Home, that he was satisfied with my con-
duct, that I was a worthy successor of the apostles, &c.
Oh ! how agreeable and delicious are such conversa-
tions ! All the torments one has endured appear now
as nothing. No ; — I will never forget this interview,
so paternal and so delightful. Throughout the day,
and at every moment, it was pictured in my thoughts.” *

The Pope welcomed him with similar cordiality at

* Journal, in loco. The author of the French Life gives a simi-
lar account of the interview; but he makes the Bishop utter the
exclamation about St. Peter, which he only thought of, \ according to
his own statement.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

313

several subsequent interviews. He ljiade him assistant
prelate at the throne, presented him a full costume of
splendid material, and granted him other favors. He
took great pleasure in making inquiries concerning the
condition of the Diocese of Bardstown, and that of
Religion in America generally, descending to the most
minute details. He promptly offered to defray the
Bishop’s expenses while in Rome, and took an interest
in procuring him comfortable lodgings.

When the prelate afterwards expressed his intention
of leaving the holy city, the Pontiff strongly objected,
saying, that he ought not to think of setting out at the
approach of winter, and that his age and infirmities
would ill comport with his traveling in weather so
rigorous. The Cardinals united with the Pope in ren-
dering honor to the venerable missionary. It is re-
freshing to hear him speak on this subject :

u Probably I shall pass the winter in Rome ; and this
by order of the Sovereign Pontiff, who does not wish
that, at my age, I should undertake long journeys in
so rigorous a season. I am a good deal thwarted in
my different projects by this command; but when the
Father speaks, the son can do nothing but keep silence
and obey. * * * At Rome, as at Billom, I receive
marks r^f esteem and even of affection, not merely from
the simple clergy and religious, but from the Cardinals
themselves, and especially from the Sovereign Pontiff.
O my God! how much should I thank Thee for so
many favors ! For who am I to be known at Rome,
and above all, to be there treated with so much honor-” *

During his sojourn at Rome, he took up his abode

* Letter to brother; November 24, 1836.

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81 4 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TJMM AND

with the Lazarist fathers at Monte Citorio, where he
was visited, with every mark of respect and reverence,
by many persons of distinction, both lay and clerical.
Here, in compliance with the wish of the Pontiff, he
drew up that Report of the history and condition of
his Diocese, to which we have already so frequently re-
ferred.

From the Bishop’s Journal we learn, that he trans-
acted much important business with the Pope ; some of
Which regarded his own Diocese, and the rest, the gen-
eral interests of Religion *

He presented to Gregory XVI. a petition from the
mother house of the Sisters of the Good Shepherd at
Angers, praying for the privilege of establishing a
branch of their admirable Institute in Rome ; where
they promised to labor with devotedness for the conver-
sion of the unfortunate among their own sex. The
Pontiff received the document with manifest pleasure,
and promised to take it into favorable consideration <
The petition was granted, and the house has since been
established.*

He also presented a petition to his Holiness for the
beatification of M. De Montfort. The Pope received it
graciously, endorsed it, and sent it to the proper con-
gregation of Cardinals for examination

In one of his conferences with the Pontiff, the Bishop
spoke of the translation of his episcopal see to Louis-
ville, and exposed all the reasons which induced him
to Solicit the change. Gregory XVI. would not decide
the question Immediately, but referred the matter to
the congregation of Propaganda, who were to report it
back to him with their advice. J

* Journal — ibid . f Ibid. f Ibid.

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OHABAOTEB 07 BISHOP FLAGET.

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On the suggestion, and at the instance of several
French prelates, the Pontiff now charged Bishop Fla-
get with a most important mission, on behalf of the
pious Association for the Propagation of the Faith.
He was directed to visit as many Dioceses of France
and Northern Italy as his strength would permit ; and
there to stimulate the faithful to join the Association.
The Bishop cheerfully undertook the mission, and he
most faithfully and successfully discharged all the la-
borious duties connected therewith.

He remained in Home until after Easter, 1837*
After a parting audience with his Holiness, he then left
for Vienna, whither business connected with the inter*
ests of his Diocese called him. He passed through Vi*
terbo, Asdisium, Loretto, Ancona, Bologna and Venice*
At Assisium he stopped to visit the famous church of
the Portiun&ula , where the humble St. Francis had so
often poured forth his soul in fervent prayer. He de-
layed three days at the sanctuary of Loretto, to satisfy
that tender devotion he had from childhood cherished
towards the Immaculate Virgin, Mother of God. He
made a retreat here, under the direction of a Jesuit
Father. During his stay in this time-honored city of
the Virgin, he received distinguished honors from the
representative of the Pontiff ; who lodged him in the
papal palace, and made him sleep in the same bed
which had been occupied by the sainted Pius VH.,
while on his return from his French exile.*

At Vienna he had an audience from the Emperor,
and dined with Metternich. He also visited the illus-
trious exile, Charles X. ex-King of France ; and though

* Letter to brother, April 24, 1837.

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316 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

unwilling, to interfere in the politics of Europe, he yet
cheerfully yielded to the pious wishes of the family,
and invoked a blessing on the head of the young Bour-
bon heir to the French throne.*

After despatching his business in Germany, he re-
turned to France, to enter upon the arduous duty im-
posed on him by the sovereign Pontiff, — of aiding the
Association for the Propagation of the Faith. He de-
voted two years to this good work. In this time he
made the tour of forty-six Dioceses lying in France
and Sardinia.

Though now seventy-five years of age, and though he
had gone through enough fatigue to have impaired or
broken down almost any other constitution, yet his
strength did not fail him. He seemed, on the contra-
ry, to have put on again all the energy of his youth.
Wherever he went, great crowds gathered to hear the
words which fell from the lips of the u old missionary
Bishop.” He visited not only the episcopal cities of
each Diocese, but not unfrequently many of the parish
churches ; besides the seminaries, colleges, and religi-
ous houses. From this fact we may form some idea of
the. number of times he was called on to preach, to say
nothing of administering confirmation and performing
other important functions. Many a younger man
would have succumbed under the herculean labor.

With burning eloquence, coming warm from the
heart, he in every place aroused the zeal of the faithful

* We have often been amused at hearing him relate the coldness
with which he was treated by the Court of Louis Philippe, on his
return to Paris. At his previous visit the king of the French had
shown him every polite atention : at the last he was entirely unno-
ticed, and invited to no audience !

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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for the good work ; and God crowned his labors with
a success, greater even than his own most sanguine
anticipations. Thousands, and tens of thousands
joined the pious Association ; and what was even far
more consoling, piety revived, and fervor was aroused
under his preaching in the various cities and towns of
France.

His example was even more efficacious than his
words. No one could look on him, without feeling
more deeply impressed than with any sermon. He
preached as effectually, when he followed the silent
method of St. Francis of Assisium, as when he adopted
that of St. Francis of Sales, or of St. Francis Xavier.

In all the cities and parishes, he was received almost
as an angel from heaven. People crowded to see him,
to receive his blessing, and to commend themselves
and their families to his holy prayers. He entered in-
to “ union of prayers ” with many pious persons, inter-
changing with them pictures or other tokens of remem-
brance. Each of his words, every one of his little acts
of kindness, was treasured up in the memory, as matter
for future edification.

His reputation for sanctity had preceded him to his
native country ; and it was greatly increased during his
abode therein. It was even said and believed, that ex-
traordinary, if not miraculous cures had been effected
by his prayers ; and ample statements to this effect,
with certificates appended, were drawn up and circu-
lated. The humility of the holy prelate would not per-
mit him to believe that he had any positive agency in
working miracles, though he could not deny that there
was something extraordinary in the cures effected.

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We do not venture to pronouee a decided opinion
on a subject, upon which the church adopts and en-
joins so wise a reserve.* That the power of God is
not abridged, and that the age of miracle* ha* not
ceased, we hold to be an undoubted truth. God surely
may operate miracles now, as heretofore, through the
prayer or agency of His servants, whenever the good of
Religion may be thereby promoted. He has done it in
all ages of the Church, from the apostolic days down
to the present time. But when it is question of par-
ticular miraculous occurrences, the Church has always
exercised a most rigid scrutiny into the facts, evidence,
and circumstances, before pronouncing a decision.

With these remarks, we will here publish an official
and well authenticated document, from the archives of
the Bishop of Nantes, which contains the edifying de-
tails of the wonderful cure of Mademoiselle De Monti,
attributed to the prayers of our holy prelate. The pa-
per, we are confident, will be perused by all with inter-
est and profit : •

“ On the first of June, 1834, Miss Olympia de Monti,
nineteen years of age, was attacked by a malady which
was supposed to be an inflammatory fever. Her illness
became so violent, that on the third day she could
scarcely breathe. About two o’clock in the morning of
that day, the curate of St. Peter’s was summoned in
great haste, and administered to her the sacrament of
Extreme Unction. The physicians became at this per-
iod convinced that her disease was a malignant fever ;
and they had recourse to strong remedies. But, on the

* n -J

* In this we fully concur with the elegant writer of the French
Life.

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CHAIJJUrrEJB OF BISHOP FLAOET.

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fifth day, when the fever went off, she fell into such a
state of exhaustion, that her life was despaired of. Mr.
Audrain, curate of th cathedral, gave her the holy Via-
ticum, which she received with sentiments of profound
piety. A few moments afterwards, she said to those
present, that she felt much better.

“ Miss De Monti became each day better ; and on the
seventh she was pronounced out of danger. All anti-
cipated for her a speedy recovery ; but on trying to
walk, she found that she was unable to stand alone
nor could she take a step unless she was supported, or
rather carried, by two persons. In the month of Aug-
ust following, she became unable to walk even with
such support. From that period until August 1835,
she was confined to her bed. She was each day placed
in an arm-chair ; but could remain up only about half
an hour in the morning, and the same length of time
in the afternoon. From this date she w T as not able to
do even this, and her weakness increased daily. Three
of the most celebrated physicians of Paris, and five of
Nantes, had been consulted ; but they could do nothing
to relieve her. The remedies prescribed seemed but to
augment her malady. Neither her parents nor herself
entertained the slightest hope of her recovery.

“ About this time they heard of the miraculous cures
which had been effected by the prayers of Bishop Fla-
get, wdio was then at Nantes. But they were aware
that the holy prelate was unwilling to be spoken to re-
garding the miracles wrought by his intercession. It
was also difficult to obtain the privilege of being visited
by the Bishop, as they were then sojourning at the Vil-
la de Grillaud, near Nantes ; nor was it possible to have

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820 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the young lady conveyed thither, in her then prostrate
condition. A venerable English Trappist, Father Ber-
nard, was then at the Villa de Grillaud ; and to this
good religious Miss De Monti’s parents expressed their
ardent desire to receive for themselves, but especially
for their daughter, the Bishop’s benediction. Father
Bernard promised to do all in his power to engage him
to pay them a visit.

“He was successful ; and on the 4th of December, at
half past ten in the morning, they had the the happi-
ness of receiving a visit from Bishop Flaget. After
having obtained his benediction, M. and Madame De
Monti remarked to him, that their daughter would be
^deprived of this happiness, unless he would have the
charity to visit her in her room, as she had been con-
fined to her bed for many months. He replied, that he
would with pleasure do so, in order to exhort her to re->
sign herself perfectly to the decrees of divine Provid-
ence.

“ When Madame De Monti had conducted him to her
daughter’s room, she retired. The Bishop remained
fifteen or twenty minutes with Miss De Monti. She
afterwards related to her parents that he gave her his
blessing twice, and made the sign of the cross on her
forehead. Moreover, the holy prelate promised to
pray for her intention during nine consecutive days,
and recommended to her to recite the Litany of the
Holy Name of Jesus, and a prayer to the Blessed Vir-
gin. The good prelate then took leave of her, and left
the country house of Grillaud about eleven o’clock.

“ After the Bishop’s departure, the young lady’s pa-
rents repaired to her room. She told them, she was

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

321

persuaded that she would soon be well ; but expressed

a desire to pass some moments in prayer, in order to
give God thanks for this auspicious visit. She was,
therefore, left alone with her sister, the Countess De
Maquille. Miss De Monti began to recite the Litany
of the Holy Name of Jesus, which she did without be-
ing fatigued ; though, a few moments before, she was
scarcely able to recite a Pater or an Ave. She has
since declared to her parents that she soon felt as if
animated by a new life.

“ After having repeated the Litany, she said to her sis-
ter, that she felt as if she was cured, and that she was
strong enough to walk. At the same time, she sat up-
right in her bed, which so much surprised Madame De
Maquille, that she was near fainting. Miss De Monti,
seeing her sister’s emotion, asked for her clothes, and
bade her be calm. She put on the garments which had
been given to her ; then rising, without any assistance,
seated herself in the chair wdiich Bishop Flaget had
occupied during his visit. Then she proceeded to the
other end of the room ; and, prostrating herself before
a crucifix, made a short prayer.

u It was then about half-past one. Madame De Ma-
quille opened a window, and cried out to those below :

4 Olympia is walking.’ Upon this announcement, all
the members of the household rushed towards Miss De
Monti’s room. For a long time she could not bear the
slightest noise in her apartment ; but now the presence
of about twenty persons had no effect upon her. All be-
held her walking about, without the least assistance.

“ She continued walking for some time ; then wrote
to Bishop Flaget. M. De Monti proceeded to the
21

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322 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIME8 AND

Bishop’s palace, to announce to the two prelates the
happy tidings. Falling on his knees before the Bishop
of Bardstown, he related the miraculous cure that had
taken place. It would be impossible to describe the
joy and astonishment of the persons, who were witnes-
ses of this touching interview. The Abb6 Vrignaud,
secretary of the Bishop of Nantes, went to offer his fel-
icitations to the family of M. de Monti, and to see him-
self the evidences of this miraculous cure. He saw
Miss Olympia walking with perfect ease. She had re-
gained the use of all her members.

“ On the following day, the 5th of December, he
went again to Grillaud, and there met Drs. Lafond and
Fadioleau. Miss De Monti had descended from her
apartment, and was then in the parlor ; she advanced
with a firm step to receive them. She had not exper-
ienced the least fatigue in coming down the stairs. On
the 11th of the same month, — eight days after her re-
covery, she went to Nantes. The next day she had the
happiness of hearing Mass, and receiving the Holy
Communion in the chapel of the Archbishop of Nantes.

“ During several succeeding days, she received visits
of congratulation from her friends, and answered differ-
ent letters. It cannot be said that her health is improv-
ing ; because from the day of the Bishop’s visit, her
cure was complete ; as many witnesses testify.

(Signed) F. De Monti.

Olympee de Monti.

Ch. de Commequiers.

De Monti ne / e de Commequiers.

De Commequiers ne'e de Broc.

Euphrasie de Monti, Contesse de Maquill'e.

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“ Certified to be conformable to the original Minutes
deposited in the Secretary’s office of the Bishop of
Nantes ; and also by me, as an eye-witness of the first
interview which M. Francis de Monti had with Bishop
Flaget, — three hours after the miraculous cure of his
daughter, — in the presence of ten persons whom the
Bishop of Nantes had invited to dinner on the 4th of
last December, the eve of the departure of the Bishop
of Bardstown for Angers.

Nantes, Feb. 27, 1836.

Gely, Canon ,

[ Seal .] V. G. of Bishop of Bar dstovm?*

* The document, of which the above is a translation, was found
among the papers of Bishop Flaget. It is a copy from the origin-
al, apparently in the hand-writing of Mademoiselle De Monti her-
self ; and the signatures and certificate appended appear to be
original. There is not the slightest doubt either of its authenticity
or reliability.

We find also, among the Bishop’s papers, another highly inter-
esting document, — likewise a duly certified copy from the original
deposited in the episcopal archives of Nantes. It is a lengthy and
scientific Report, drawn up by eight eminent physicians “ of the
Faculty of Medicine in Paris,” but practicing their profession at
Nantes. On the invitation of the Bishop of this city, they made a
minute and careful examination, not only of Miss De Monti’s case,
but also of Jive others, scarcely less remarkable. Their investiga-
tions were very thorough and searching ; while their expressions of
opinion, on each case, are guarded and moderate. • These wonder-
ful cures all took place towards the close of the year 1835, in the
city of Nantes or the vicinity. The Report is dated July 15, 1836.
It is a carefully drawn paper, covering twenty-three large pages,
closely written ; and though highly interesting, it is too long for
insertion in this place. We translate only the closing paragraph :

“ Finally, a last motive which corroborates the opinion we have
expressed on the cures of which we have spoken, is the striking

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

We must now follow our holy prelate through his
remaining travels, until his return to his Diocese. At
Turin, the Bishop was kindly received by the King,
the late unfortunate Charles Albert. He remained
some time here, and was entertained with princely hos-
pitality by the illustrious family of the Duke de Mont-
morency.

After having traversed the greater part of France,
Sardinia and Piedmont, he found himself, early in
1839, at Nice on the Mediterranean. Here he was wel-
comed by the Governor of the place, Count Rodolph de
Maistre, a son of the famous writer. He remained un-
der his roof during the entire Lent of this year. This
good family overwhelmed him with kind attentions.
He needed repose, after his laborious campaign, which
had greatly shaken his health and impaired his strength.

He was solicited by many prelates and other persons
of distinction, to continue his mission, and by not a few
to give up all idea of ever returning to America, and
to end his days among his relations and friends in
France. On the other hand, he felt anxious about the

coincidence which exists among all these facts. The six patients,
for a long time the victims of disease over which art had not been
able to triumph, present themselves at the feet of a pious Bishop,
receive his benediction ; and the most of them find themselves im-
mediately delivered from all their ills. This circumstance, coming
to the support of all the considerations which precede, adds much
to their value. Hence we do not hesitate to renew here the declar-
ation, that these are not to be viewed as ordinary cures ; but that
there intervened in their production certain hidden causes, superior
to the province of the medical art, and to the course of nature ; yet,
we repeat it, this intervention is not manifest, to the same degree,
in all the cases.”

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

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affairs of his Diocese, from which he had received let-
ters earnestly asking his speedy return. Embarrassed
as to the course he should adopt, and wishing to do
nothing but the will of God, he addressed a letter to
the Sovereign Pontiff, soliciting advice as to what line
of conduct he should pursue under the circumstances.
He candidly laid before the Holy See the reasons for
and against his immediate return to America, leaving
the whole matter to its decision.

The answer of the Pontiff arrived a few days before
Easter. He received the package with the most pro-
found respect, and wished to peruse it on his knees.
The document breathed the sweet spirit of paternal
kindness ; while it was marked by the manifold graces
of the most exquisite politeness.

After having praised the zeal of the prelate in ac-
complishing the mission entrusted to him, the Pontiff
advises his return to a Diocese, “ to which,” he says,
“ many letters received thence, and thy own most ardent
love for the flock committed to thy care, recall thee. * *
For although thy Church is not without the solace of
thy Coadjutor, yet it appears equitable, that after an ab-
sence of four years, thou thyself, like a good shepherd,
shouldst satisfy the desire of thy flock, and again
see them, after so long a time ; especially as thy return
to America might be again too long delayed, by new
obstacles intervening, if the present suitable time for
navigation should pass by. Wherefore, unless thy
health, — which we hope is re-established, — or some
more weighty reason should prevent it, return, venera-
ble Brother, as thou desirest, to thy Diocese ; and when
it shall be given to thee, to see thy children,* and to

* “ 0768 /' — literally sheep.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

speak to them face to face, fail not to testify to them
the great good will with which we embrace thee and
thy flock, in the bowels of Christ.” *

The Bishop’s suspense was now at an end, and his
decision to return to his Diocese was at once taken.
The will of God was made known to him, and he was
prepared to obey. The clergyman who was his travel-
ing companion asked him, whether his thus leaving
France and his relatives and friends, probably forever,
was not extremely painful to him. He promptly re-
plied : “ No, no, my dear child ; I was already fully
decided to do the will of the Pope ; and if he had an-
swered that I should neither remain in France nor
return to America, but should depart for China, or join
the Archbishop of Cologne, f — in case that venerable
Confessor could find there a place for me, — I should
have departed on the instant. J

“ He often referred to this subject through the day.
u O how happy I am,” he exclaimed, “ to know the will
of God ! ” On another occasion, when his friends ex-
postulated with him for leaving them forever, and offer-
ed to write to the Pope, to obtain permission for him to
end his days in France, he said : “ O no ; it is but just
that the first Bishop of Kentucky should go to die
among his own .” §

The Letter of the Pontiff to which we have just al-
luded, referred chiefly to a petition which had been
presented to the prelate to visit several Dioceses out of
France ; and as in a previous letter permission had

* The entire document, with a French translation, is given in
the French Life — p. 126, seqq . It is dated March 16, 1839.
f Then in prison. J French Life — p. 125,

$ Ibid — p. 135.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

327

been already given him to visit certain Dioceses in the
north of France, which he had not yet seen, it was sug-
gested to him that he was entirely ffee to prolong his
stay, until he would have completed the tour of those
last named ; and that, moreover, his availing himself of
the privilege thus granted would accrue greatly to the
benefit of Religion. But the Bishop doubted whether
the previous permission had not been withdrawn, by
the advice contained in the last letter.

Pressed for his final decision, he said to his clerical
companion : “ This evening we will go before the Bless-
ed Sacrament, to know the will of God.” Having made
his visit to the church, he said, smiling : “I will now
terminate my mission. We will see Chambery, since
I am announced there ; then we will return to Lyons,
whither some business calls me ; I will next visit my
brothers, for I must absolutely pass one or two months
with them, — not, however, all at one time ; I will make
some excursions to Clermont ; I will accustom them by
degrees to live separated from me. During this time,
I will be engaged in collecting some young ecclesiastics
for my Diocese ; then I will take my departure about
the end of August.” *

At Lyons, he had the happiness to meet the Rt. Rev.
Dr. Purcell, now Archbishop of Cincinnati, who, but a
few days after, accompanied him to Clermont. They
arranged to return together to America ; and the Bish-
op thanked God for the fortunate circumstance, which
gave him such good company.

Having failed in his expectation of procuring young
ecclesiastics, he hastened his departure. In July, 1839,

* Ibid—?. 134 , 135 .

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328 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

the two prelates, accompanied by the Rev. John
M’Gill, now Bishop of Richmond, sailed from Havre ;
and on the 21st of August they landed safely at New
York.

In September, the holy prelate arrived at Bardstown,
where he was warmly welcomed by his clergy and peo-
ple. He came to die among his own children, for
whose welfare he had so long and so successfully la-
bored.

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

CHAPTER XIY.

THE LAST YEARS OF HIS EPISCOPACY.

1 839 — 1849 .

He makes the tour of his establishments, and visits his Diocese —
Travels six hundred miles on horseback — How he spent his in-
tervals of leisure — Anecdote of Bishop David — The death of the
latter — His character — Translation of the see to Louisville —
Reasons for and against the change — He regrets to leave Bards-
town — Arrival of Sisters of the Good Shepherd — How this colony
was obtained — Nature and objects of the Institute — Health of
his Coadjutor impaired — The Coadjutor visits France, and re-
signs — His present retreat — The Bishop left desolate — The third
Coadjutor is consecrated — The Nunc Dimittis — The Jesuits re-
enter the Diocese, and take St. Joseph's college — New college in
Louisville — Arrival of the Trappists — Character of their institu-
tion — Corner-stone of the new Cathedral laid.

The first months after the return of Bishop Flaget
were spent in the agreeable task of visiting his various
institutions. He was rejoiced to find, that their pros-
perity had not been materially affected by his long ab-
sence. His children every where welcomed him as a
father. He took pleasure in recounting to them the
incidents of his foreign travel, and particularly in giv-
ing details of what had occurred in his interesting in-
terviews with the Sovereign Pontiff, whose blessing he
warmly imparted to them all.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

The next subject which engaged his attention, was
the visitation of his Diocese. Though now in his sev-
enty-seventh year, and worn down with the labors of a
protracted ministry, his resolution did not falter, and
he determined to embark in an undertaking apparent-
ly so far above his strength. He ardently wished to
see all his spiritual children once more before his
death ; and, in compliance with the intimation of
Gregory XYI., 44 to speak to them face to face,” and
bestow upon them the paternal benediction of him who
sat in the chair of St. Peter.

About two years were consumed in this laborious
duty. Accompanied by one or two missionaries, he
visited almost all the congregations of his Diocese, now
limited to the State of Kentucky. He made the tour
principally on horseback ; and in each congregation he
preached and gave confirmation. He seemed to have
again put on the vigor of his younger days; he sat
erect in the saddle, and appeared, after a severe day’s
ride, not to be much more fatigued than his more
youthful companions. He traveled thus at least six
hundred miles.

In July, 1841, he had made the visitation of all the
congregations, except seven or eight. In a letter to
France, he thus refers to the subject: •

44 1 have just terminated an episcopal visitation,
during the continuance of which we have traveled
ijiore than two hundred leagues. * * * What a

joy for my dear Catholics, who had not seen me for so
many years, and who scarcely hoped ever to see me
again, when 1 found myself once more in their midst !
* * * I have yet seven or eight congregations to

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

331

visit ; towards autumn, God assisting me, I will termi-
nate this long, but most consoling visitation.” *

His intervals of leisure were spent in his episcopal
residence at Bardstown, in company with his actual
and former Coadjutor, Doctors Chabrat and David.
He passed no idle hours. When not otherwise em-
ployed, he was engaged in reading the Holy Scrip-
tures, the history of the Church, the lives of the
saints, or other spiritual books.

The following incident, concerning him and Bishop
David, will serve to illustrate the admirable simplicity
of these two venerable prelates. On opening a box
which the Bishop had received from Europe, contain-
ing pictures, medals, and beads, Bishop David signified
a wish to have some of the articles, for distribution
among his friends. Bishop Flaget turned to him, with
smiling raillery, and said: 44 Father David, you are

always asking for something, and yet you never give
me any thing ! ” The other rejoined : 44 1 have given

you every thing, since I have given you myself.” The
plea was admitted; and he failed not to receive his
suitable portion of the pious objects.f

The sensitive heart of the Bishop was soon to be
grieved by the death of his oldest and most intimate
friend, his counsellor and spiritual director for nearly
fifty years. The health of Bishop David had been de
clining for some years; and now it was evident that
the time for his departure from this world was rapidly
approaching. The Sisters of Charity, whose society
he had founded, pressed him to come to Nazareth, and

* Letter to the Abbe de George, author of the French Life, July
3, 1841. Ibid— p. 142.

t Ibid— p. 143.

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SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

there end his days in the midst of his children. He
accepted the invitation, and from them he received the
kindest attentions and the most delicate nursing. He
continued to decline for several months, but retained
his consciousness to the last. From the hands of
Bishop Flaget he received the last sacraments, and
calmly expired on the 12th of July, 1841.

In the letter last quoted, written nine days before his
death, Bishop Flaget speaks of his illness in the fol-
lowing terms: “ My ancient Coadjutor has been strug-

gling with death for more than three months ; he has
received all the sacraments from my hands: his resig-
nation is perfect, and he rejoices to suffer in this world,
to have, as he says, less to endure in purgatory. O !
how different is the death of the true disciples of Christ
from that of the impious ! * * In less than a year,

three of my cotemporaries and old friends will have
departed from this world ; without doubt to prepare the
way for me, — by exhorting me every day to hold myself
in readiness to rejoin them.”

A truer and more sincerely Christian heart never
beat in mortal bosom, than that whose pulsations
ceased when Bishop David expired. He died as he
had lived. Regularity in all the actions of his life had
become with him a settled habit — a second nature.
Full of burning zeal for the salvation of souls, he never
Spared himself. In season and out of season, he preach-
ed the word ; he persuaded, he besought, he reproved
in all patience and doctrine. If he was rigid with
Others, he was much more so with himself; if candid
in stating to others their faults, he was at least as much
so in acknowledging his own, and in humbling himself

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

333

for them, both before God and men. No one was too
lowly for his patient instruction and tender care; no

one too high, to escape the firm, but humble expres-
sion of his opinion, whether it was flattering or admon-
itory. The older clergy of Kentucky who were trained
up by him, and all who knew him well, will long hold
his name in benediction. His remains repose in the
cemetery of Nazareth, and his spiritual daughters have
erected a suitable monument to his memory.* He was
in his eighty-first year ; in the fifty-sixth of his priest-
hood, and the twenty-second of his episcopacy.

On the day of his death, — though it appears that he
had not yet heard of it, — Bishop Flaget, having lately
received intelligence of the death of his brother, the
curate of Billom, wrote to a member of his family in
France, as follows:

44 God, in His mercy, wishes that I should prepare
for death; for He takes away from me persons who
have been much attached to me for more than sixty
years: the good Father Bonnet, f my brother, and my
old Coadjutor, who is at this moment struggling wdth
death, and who, in three or four days, will be no longer
in this world. I bless God for having given me such
warnings ; in order to detach me more and more from
all creatures, and to make me sigh more ardently for
heaven, where every thing is holy, every thing is per-
fect, every thing is happiness, and happiness eternal.” J

For several years the Bishop had been revolving in

* The classical Latin inscription was written, we believe, by
Father Badin.

f A Sulpician of Clermont.

X Letter, July 12, 1841. French Life — p. 146.

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334 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

his mind the project, of having the episcopal see trans-
ferred to Louisville. We have seen that, while in
Rome in 1836, he conferred with the holy Father on
this subject. Eardstown, the cradle of the Diocese,
the centre of all the splendid institutions founded un-
der the auspices of our prelate, and for a long time the
centre of the Catholic population ; was the only point,
which could have been at first selected for the location
of the see. But in this country, where every thing is
constantly changing, a generation often works a revo-
lution in the relative importance of particular localities.

Louisville, which at first was comparatively an un-
important place, having but a mere handful of Catho-
lics, and these mostly indifferent to the practice of
their Religion, had now become not only the largest
city in the Diocese, but also the seat of a large and
fast increasing Catholic population. Its situation on
the Ohio at the interruption of navigation, and its cen-
tral position in the length of the State stretching along
that river; above all, the prospect of its still more
rapid growth, and the constant influx into it of Catho-
lics from the interior of the Diocese, but chiefly from
abroad: it being, in a word, the great centre and com-
mercial emporium of the State, rendered it evidently
the most suitable place for the episcopal see.

The Bishop much regretted to leave Bardstown. It
had been his residence for more than twenty years;
the reminiscences of thirty years of his episcopacy
were associated with the place ; and the substantial
fruits of his labors during that period lay within it, or
clustered in its immediate vicinity. There were his
fine cathedral, his college and seminary, the convents of

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET. 335

Nazareth and Loretto, the college of St. Mary’s, — to
say nothing of other institutions.

By long and pleasant association, and by the inter-
change of mutual offices of kindness, he had become
much endeared to the inhabitants of Bardstown, both
Catholic and Protestant. All would be deeply pained
at his leaving them. But, on the other hand, believing
that the interests of Religion would be promoted by
the removal of his see, and that its location in the
largest city of the Diocese was, moreover, more con-
formable to the spirit and usage of the Church, he de-
cided to make the change.

The pontifical Rescript authorizing the translation
was received by him early in the year 1841 ; the time
for carrying it into effect was left to his own judgment.
Finding that the inhabitants of Louisville were all
favorably disposed towards the project, and that the
Protestants themselves would unite with the Catholics
in warmly welcoming him to the city, he set about
making the necessary preliminary arrangements, and
removed thither, with his Coadjutor, towards the close
of the year. His Vicar General * had preceded him
some months, in order to prepare the way.

Bishop Flaget was not disappointed in the expecta-
tions he had conceived, of the benefits likely to accrue
to Religion from the step he had taken, after so much
mature deliberation. While Catholicity in the interior
was not materially affected by the change, it gave a
new impulse to Religion in Louisville. The inhabi-
tants of the city, without distinction of creed, exhibi-

* The present Bishop of Charleston. The Bishop was to have
been installed at Christmas ; but his illness delayed the ceremony.

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SKETCHES 07 THE LIFE, TIMES AHD

ted a commendable liberality in co-operating with him
in every good work ; they came forward generously to
support every appeal made to them on behalf of Cath-
olic charities ; and the Catholic population also rapidly
increased. On the death of the holy prelate, eight
years later, the Catholic population of the city was
about one-fourth of that of the entire Diocese.

Personally, the Bishop had no little inconvenience to
suffer from the change. In his old age he had to sever
ties, which so many years of affectionate association
with old friends had drawn around his heart. He had
to leave a residence in which he was surrounded by
every comfort, to live in a new place, with fewer con-
veniences, and in the midst of comparative strangers.
He had to leave his dear solitude in the country seat
near Bardstown, to take up his abode amid the noise
and confusion of the city. But he had never been in
the habit of counting the cost to himself, when it was
question of discharging what he believed to be a duty to
others and to the Church.

About a year after his removal to Louisville, the
heart of the Bishop was rejoiced by the arrival from
France of a colony of religious ladies, belonging to
that heroic institute, whose object it is to reclaim to
virtue the fallen and degraded of their own sex. These
devoted Sisters of Charity of the Good Shepherd reach-
ed Louisville December 1st, 1842, from the mother
house of Angers. Much as he was gladdened by their
arrival, his joy at first was not unmingled with regret;
as he had not expected them so soon, and had as yet
made no arrangements for their accommodation. But
these heroic ladies had already made too many sacri-

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

337

fices in carrying out the painful, but sublimely charita-
ble object of their order, to be deterred by inconve-
niences comparatively so light. They were lodged for
nine months in a house of the Bishop adjoining the
academy of Cedar Grove, Portland, where they ap-
plied themselves to the study of English ; until their
monastery in Louisville could be built and prepared for
their reception.

While in France, the Bishop, as w T e have seen, had
been detained for some time at Angers by a severe ill-
ness. He here became acquainted with the institute
of the Good Shepherd ; and while he admired the pur-
pose for which it was erected, he was forcibly struck
by the uniform cheerfulness and gaiety exhibited by
the generous religious, in performing a task so painful
to the refined feelings of nature, and so revolting to
the sentiments of the world. He expressed an earnest
wish to have a colony of the order in his Diocese.
The mother general communicated with her council on
the subject ; and as the intelligence spread through the
different communities, so many were found anxious to
devote themselves to the distant mission, that the supe-
rior was greatly embrarassed in selecting from the nu-
merous candidates the requisite number of five or six
for the intended colony. At length it was resolved,
that it should be composed of representatives from the
different Catholic nations in Europe, — France, Ger-
many, Italy, Belgium, and Ireland ; — thus presenting
to the new world, torn by conflicting sects, a beautiful
illustration of Catholic unity.

On his return to America, the Bishop, after confer-
ring with his Coadjutor as to the resources of the Dio-
22

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338 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

cese, feared that he could not then spare the necessary
funds for founding the new establishment, without in-
juring other important interests. Among others, his
purpose of soon commencing the erection of a new
cathedral in Louisville was the most prominent. The
other establishments of the Diocese had been founded,
and had gradually grown up, chiefly by the labors of
the early members themselves, with little, if any aid
from Diocesan funds ; this one, could be created only
by the resources of the Bishop himself. Accordingly
he wrote to Angers, deeply regretting the circumstan-
ces, which induced him to ask for some delay in send-
ing the proposed colony.

But the measure had already been resolved on at the
mother house; and it was decided to carry it into im-
mediate execution, leaving the question of resources to
Providence. The colony was in consequence sent out
at once, more in accordance with what was believed to
be the ardent wish of the Bishop, than with the advice
which prudence had prompted him to give.

The Sisters entered their extensive new establish-
ment, erected entirely at the Bishop’s expense, on the
4th of September, 1843.

Their institute was no sooner known, than it was
greatly admired by many among the Protestants, as
well as by the Catholics. The number of penitents
soon became as great as the house designed for their
use could accommodate. Liberal presents were made
to the infant establishment ; their marketing was often
furnished gratuitously by Protestants ; and the needle-
work, their chief reliance for a maintenance, flowed in
on them so abundantly, that the institution was soon

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CHARACTER OF BISHOP FLAGET.

339

able to support itself. A large and commodious chapel
was afterwards erected; and during the last year, a
spacious building was put up, for the separate class of
religious Magdalenes, to be composed of such penitents
as might give indications of a desire to retire perma-
nently from the dangers of the world, and devote their
lives to the religious exercises of the cloister.

About this time, a new trouble of a weighty charac-
ter afflicted the heart of the good prelate. The health
of his second Coadjutor — Dr. Chabrat — had been de-
clining for some years; and now he was threatened
with the loss of his sight. In this emergency, after
having for some time submitted to a severe and judi-
cious course of treatment from Dr. Gross, one of the
most eminent surgeons of the Union, he decided to go
to France for farther medical advice. On his arrival
in Paris, he applied to M. Sichel, one of the first ocu-
lists in Europe; who, while he fully approved the
treatment previously adopted by Dr. Gross, gave him
but slight hopes of a restoration of sight.

Much to the grief of Bishop Flaget, Dr. Chabrat
had, since the first appearance of the malady, enter-
tained serious thoughts of offering his resignation. He
had written to Rome on the subject, and received a
reply, referring the matter for farther consideration to
the approaching Provincial Council of Baltimore, to be
held in 1846. The fathers of this Council, after occu-
pying much time in weighing the reasons for and
against, finally declined to advise the resignation ; and
the two neighboring Bishops of Cincinnati and Nash-
ville kindly offered their services during his disability,
to aid him in the visitation of the Diocese.

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340 SKETCHES OF THE LIFE, TIMES AND

After the Council, the malady continued to increase,
and Dr. Chabrat decided again to visit Europe. On
his arrival in Paris, the oculist, to whom he had pre-
viously applied, at once declared, that unless he resign-
ed his charge and remained in France, he would soon
become irretrievably blind. This able physician went
himself to Monsignor Fornari, the papal Nuncio at
Paris, and presented the matter in so strong a light,
that the latter resolved to write at once to the Holy
See, recommending the acceptance of his resignation.

The answer from Rome was favorable. Some time
in 1847, Dr. Chabrat was released from his charge as
Coadjutor, and he became henceforth simply titular
Bishop of Bolina. He has since remained in France ;
and though not yet stricken with total blindness, his
sight has become constantly more and more impaired.
He resides at Mauriac, in the house formerly inhabited
by his father ; and he leads a secluded life, devoted to
prayer and preparation for death. His long and ardu-
ous labors on the missions of America, must cheer him
in his retirement.

These events were a source of most poignant affliction
to Bishop Flaget. He had now seen two Coadjutors
disabled and compelled to resign at his side, while he
still stood up, battling bravely in the arduous mis-
sionary field. But his own energies were now fast fail-
ing ; and he felt himself incapable of attending to the
wearing duties of the episcopal office.

To be left thus alone in his extreme old age, with
infirmities fast growing on him, was indeed a severe
trial, even for one who had already endured so much.
During those two years of suspense, when his Coadju-

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